UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer confirms Covid-19 in pet dog in the UK

Reviewed by Emily Henderson, B.Sc.Nov 10 2021

The UK's Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed that the virus responsible for Covid-19 has been detected in a pet dog in the UK.

The infection was confirmed following tests at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) laboratory in Weybridge on 3 November. The dog is now recovering at home.

All available evidence suggests that the dog contracted the coronavirus from its owners who had previously tested positive for Covid-19. There is no evidence to suggest that the animal was involved in the transmission of the disease to its owners or that pets or other domestic animals are able to transmit the virus to people.

The advice from UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is for people to wash their hands regularly, including before and after contact with animals.

Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:

Tests conducted by the Animal and Plant Health Agency have confirmed that the virus responsible for Covid-19 has been detected in a pet dog in the UK. The infected dog was undergoing treatment for another unrelated condition and is now recovering.

It is very rare for dogs to be infected and they will usually only show mild clinical signs and recover within a few days.

There is no clear evidence to suggest that pets directly transmit the virus to humans. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and will update our guidance to pet owners should the situation change."

Dr Katherine Russell, Consultant Medical Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:

COVID-19 is predominantly spread from person to person but in some situations the virus can spread from people to animals. In line with general public health guidance, you should wash your hands regularly, including before and after contact with animals."

Pet owners can access the latest government guidance on how to continue to care for their animals during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The case has been reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health in line with international commitments. There have been a very small number of confirmed cases in pets in other countries in Europe, North America and Asia.