It's not only people who are getting infected by Covid-19 now!

Hong Kong health officials have confirmed that a pet dog belonging to a Covid-19 patient has contracted the virus.

First such case

According to a report by South China Morning Post, officials have said that it is a "low-level infection" and possibly the first reported case of human-to-animal transmission of the disease.




The pet dog, a Pomeranian, was tested several times and results showed that it was a "weak positive".

Weak positive means that it could most likely be a surface contamination "with dog picking up traces of the virus in its nose and mouth rather than being actually infected."

The Pomeranian has since been placed under quarantine.

Don't kiss the dog

Meanwhile, a report by The Guardian said that authorities in Hong Kong have also advised pet owners to refrain from kissing their pets.

The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department also urged pet owners not to panic.


“Pet owners are reminded to adopt good hygiene practices (including hand washing before and after being around or handling animals, their food, or supplies, as well as avoiding kissing them) and to maintain a clean and hygienic household environment,” the department said.

A spokesperson later said that there was no evidence to suggest that animals could be a source of infection of Covid-19 and urged pet owners to maintain good hygiene practices.

The spokesperson also said that pet owners should not be too concerned or go to extreme measures such as abandoning their pets.