Blog
COVID-19 and Humans
This is a rapidly evolving situation and we encourage you to regularly consult the websites of the CDC and the Thurston County Public Health Department for information about local impacts of COVID-19 on humans and guidance for keeping yourself and other healthy.
COVID-19 and Pets
Both the CDC as well as the World Organization for Animal Health have issued advisories saying there is no evidence that companion animals can spread the virus.
Animal Services suggests including pets in preparedness plan amid COVID-19 concerns
With the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the rise worldwide, it is important for Thurston County residents to include their pets in preparedness plans.
Animal Services joins shelters and rescue organizations across the continent suggesting community members create a preparedness plan that includes their pets in the event Thurston County is impacted by the virus that causes COVID-19. In addition to preparations typically recommended for any natural disaster threat, individuals with pets should identify family members or friends to care for pets if someone in the household comes ill and is hospitalized.
Make a preparedness plan for your pets:
- Identify a trusted family member or friend to care for your pets if someone in your household becomes ill or is hospitalized.
- Research potential boarding facilities to utilize in the event boarding your pet becomes necessary.
- Have crates, food and extra supplies for your pet on hand in case moving them becomes necessary or if the disease spreads in the community and it becomes necessary to reduce social exposure.
- All animal vaccines should be up to date in the event boarding becomes necessary.
- Ensure all medications are documented with dosages and administering instructions. Including the prescription from the prescribing veterinarian is also helpful.
- Pets should have identification including a collar with current identification tags and a registered microchip.
Animal Services recommends staying diligent in preparations. By creating a preparedness plan ahead of time for the unlikely event it becomes necessary to put into motion, community members can do their part to ensure animal service resources do not become overwhelmed and their pets are spared unnecessary stress.
