In February 2021, Veterinary Public Health conducted a survey to veterinary clinics in Los Angeles County to better understand local interest in testing for SARS-CoV-2 in pets as well as to identify potential barriers to testing.   The survey had a response rate of about 25% and some of the findings include:

Map showing the distribution of vet clinic survey responses by zip code:

Survey responses regarding client inquiries about SARS-CoV-2:

• 47.4% of clinics have had 1-5 inquiries per month about SARS-CoV-2 in pets

• 10.5% of clinics have seen an animal that they suspect had SARS-CoV-2 infection

Survey responses regarding SARS-CoV-2 testing in pets:

• 14% of clinics have recommended testing in a suspect case

• Some of the reasons why clinics are not testing pets for SARS-CoV-2 include: Clinics not seeing any suspect cases, the cost of the SARS-CoV-2 testing, and the pet being unavailable for testing.

More testing, whether in symptomatic animals or as part of an active surveillance study would be needed to better understand and characterize pets that are infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Los Angeles County.        

To stay up to date on emerging animal health issues, veterinary professionals are encouraged to join the Animal Health Alert Network (AHAN) to receive updates and alerts via email.  Complete the online form here or fill out the form by hand and email it to vet@ph.lacounty.gov.

Last updated: April 8, 2021