NCSU: 'Very low risk' COVID-19 spreads to pets

A handful of pets in other countries reportedly have been diagnosed with COVID-19, but no pets in the United States have become sick, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Still, pet owners are concerned about the potential dangers.

WRAL viewer Michael Ogus wrote us with that question, so we found some answers.

The CDC says there is no evidence that pets can spread COVID-19 to people. N.C. State University's School of Veterinary Medicine says there is a "very low risk" that COVID-19 can spread from humans to animals.

A top veterinarian said that if you are diagnosed with COVID-19, you should use common sense with your pets.

"Don't be grabbing and kissing your dog in the mouth," said Dr. John Howe, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, in an interview with NBC's TODAY. "Don't be hugging them if you can. Maybe have somebody else in your family can take care of that pet while you're sick."

The CDC suggests that it's also generally a good idea to wash your hands after contact with animals.

Homebound families might be interested in using this time to adopt a new pet, and the CDC says there is no reason to think shelter pets might be a COVID-19 source. However, many local animal shelters are closed because of stay at home orders.

The SPCA of Wake County is closed for adoptions through the end of April. The Durham APS and Orange County Animal Shelter are open for adoptions by appointment only.