The primary concern of COVID-19 is for human health, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control. Dogs and cats have their own coronavirus that is not the same virus as COVID-19.

There is no current evidence that people will get COVID-19 from a family pet, though people who are sick with COVID-19 are recommended to limit close contact with pets until more information is known about the virus.

As a general rule, people should always wash their hands after handling animals, the department said.

Owners should include pets in their emergency preparedness planning, including a two-week supply of food and medications. 

For information, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/coronavirus.