Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.
UPDATE
Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021. More information is available here.

Protect Animals from COVID-19

Protect Animals from COVID-19
Updated Apr. 30, 2021
Español
Print
Related Pages

CDC is reviewing this page to align with updated guidance.

Animals Can Get COVID-19

COVID-19 is a virus.
COVID-19 can spread between people.
COVID-19 can spread from people to animals.

Protect Service Animals

Service animals help people.
Keep service animals away from sick people.
Keep service animals at least 6 feet away from other people.
Keep a sick service animal at home.
Call a vet when a service animal is sick.
Keep service animals clean.
Clean service animal vests.
Clean service animal collars.
Clean service animal leashes.
Wash your hands after you touch an animal.

Stop COVID-19 Every Day

Stay at least 6 feet away from people outside your home.
Stay away from crowds.
Stay away from inside places with lots of people.
Stay away from people who are sick.
Stay away from people if you are sick.
Wear a mask to protect everyone.
The mask must cover your nose.
The mask must cover your mouth.
The mask must fit under your chin.
The mask must be snug on your face.
Make sure breathing is easy.
Masks may feel different.
Practice wearing a mask.
Practice will help you get used to wearing a mask.

Wash Your Hands Often

Wash your hands before touching your face.
Wash your hands when you get home.
Wash your hands before you make food.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Wash your hands after you use the bathroom.
Wash your hands after you blow your nose.
Wash your hands after you sneeze.
Wash your hands after you cough.
Wash your hands after you care for a sick person.
Wash your hands after you touch an animal.
Wash your hands after you touch your mask.

Original Guidance: Guidance for Handlers of Service and Therapy Animals

Download and Print: Protect Animals from COVID-19 [45 KB, 3 pages]

Development of these materials was supported by a grant from the CDC Foundation, using funding provided by its donors. The materials were created by the Center for Literacy & Disability Studies, Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation at Georgia Tech. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided subject matter expertise and approved the content. The use of the names of private entities, products, or enterprises is for identification purposes only and does not imply CDC endorsement.

Project funding ended 9/30/2021. All edits after that date are completed solely by CDC.