The Association Blog

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

As your professional association, we are committed to supporting you with vital resources you can trust to be accurate, timely, and relevant. Today we’re sharing information on how you can support your community, employees and volunteers in preparation for public inquiries regarding COVID-19.

While COVID-19 is contagious for humans and, as of now, is understood to spread primarily from person to person, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Global Veterinary Community – an association representing more than 200,000 veterinarians – states that there is no evidence that companion animals can be infected. The WSAVA does caution that this is a rapidly evolving situation, so people confirmed to have COVID-19 should avoid contact with other people as well as pets. The full advisory document from WSAVA can be found here.

We are working collaboratively with our colleagues at The Humane Society of the United States and several other organizations to make sure you are aware of new developments and critical information. A website specifically for animal sheltering and rescue employees has launched today featuring resources from organizations throughout the nation, like Humane Rescue Alliance, Dumb Friends League,  Oregon Humane Society and Wisconsin Humane Society. Please refer to it for the most up-to-date information on how COVID-19 might impact shelters and rescues.

If your organization has resources to share, please email them to news@theaawa.org. 

In appreciation,

Helpful Links
Video: COVID-19 and your pet
Website: COVID-19 Tool Kit for Shelters