COVID-19

In order to mitigate the exposure of clients and staff to COVID please let us know if your pet has had exposure to anyone with COVID or COVID-like symptoms in the last 14 days. Pets with known or suspected exposure will be provided curbside service. Upon arrival at the VMC please remain in the vehicle with your pet and call us at 612-626-8387.

Clients who are experiencing respiratory symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19 in the past 10 days are requested to wear a mask. Protecting the health of our clients and employees is critical to our being able to provide care to our patients who need it most. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Helpful reminders for pet owners:

  • Remember COVID is primarily transmitted between ill people and not from pets to people.
  • Owners who test positive for COVID should limit interaction with their pets to be safe.
  • Owners should include pets when preparing for potential long home stays, making sure they have enough food, medications, kitty litter and other essentials.
  • There are many other more common causes of cough and respiratory disease in pets. Contact your veterinarian if your pet shows signs of illness.

Jennifer Granick, DVM, MS, PhD, Diplomate ACVIM (SAIM) talks with KSTP news about important COVID-19 information and tips for pet owners.

Frequently asked questions

For your convenience, we have aggregated information for frequently asked questions below.

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Do I need to get my pet tested for COVID-19

No. At this time, routine testing of animals for COVID-19 is not recommended. Talk to your veterinarian (via phone or email) about the best ways to care for your pet.

Can animals carry the virus that causes COVID-19 on their skin or fur?

At this time, there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread to people from the skin or fur of pets.

Are pets from a shelter safe to adopt?

Yes. There is no reason to think that any animals, including shelter pets, in the United States might be a source of COVID-19.

Can humans with COVID-19 infect animals?

There have been rare instances where ill humans have infected their pets (e.g. dogs in Hong Kong, cat in Belgium, tigers in New York). Some of these animals have developed respiratory symptoms. As of yet, there have been no documented cases of infected pets transmitting the virus to humans.

If I or someone in my household has been diagnosed with COVID-19, what can I do?

Follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • Restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19.
  • When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. 
  • If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. 
  • If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth facemask; don’t share food, kiss, or hug them; and wash your hands before and after any contact with them (AVMA 2020)
USDA Coronavirus Disease page