On Mar. 4, a pet Pomeranian in Hong Kong tested positive for Covid-19 in the first case of human-to-animal transmission.

No need to surrender pet

This has lead to anxiety among certain pet owners — including those in Singapore, according to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

In a Facebook advisory on Mar. 11, the animal welfare organisation revealed that a few pet owners have reached out to them, and asked if they should surrender their pets to protect themselves.

In response, SPCA asserted that owners are "no safer" from the virus, even if they surrender their pets.

What will help, they added, is good hygiene practices, such as hand-washing before and after interacting with pets.

Keeping the pets healthy with a nutritious diet, appropriate social interaction and mental stimulation, as well as regular health check-ups at the vets are also helpful.

Furthermore, SPCA said, the infected Pomeranian did not display any signs of the disease, which was likely picked up from its human companion.

The primary mode of transmission of the virus remains human to human, SPCA stated.

"This is a time to come together to look after our loved ones, including our pets, and the larger community. We wish you and your pets the best of health."

No evidence that pets are source of infection

The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) arm of the National Parks Board also cited that "there is currently no evidence that pet animals are a source of infection of the COVID-19 virus or that they become sick from it".

AVS was responding to a query from another non-profit animal welfare group, Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD), and said that they are actively monitoring the developments related to animals and Covid-19.

Top image via SPCA's Facebook page and Marko Blažević on Unsplash