HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FURRY FAMILY MEMBERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Although there’s only been one animal that has tested positive for coronavirus, pet owners should still be aware of what they can do to prevent their fur babies from catching the virus.

It's believed to be the first coronavirus infection in an animal in the u.s. a 4-year-old malayan tiger at the bronx zoo in new york has tested positive for the virus... believed to have been infected by a zoo employee.

Abc 36's alex king spoke with a veterinarian to find out if we should be concerned about our own pets.

Kevin smith, dvm/ceo nat: "right now i am treating my pets just like i treat my kids."

Dr. kevin smith says right now his family is staying in quarantine and not going out and about... that includes his pets.

He says it's all about being as safe as possible... avoid letting your pet have nose to nose contact, don't let other people touch your pet and keep them at a safe distance.

Dr. smith says he thinks they'll be okay but it's too early to tell so it's better to be safe.

Dr. kevin smith: "right now is really scary times and you know what i've found is our dogs at home really comfort us.

They are loving us being home, they're loving us being close to them.

So right now the cdc and the world health organizations say dogs and cats can not get or transsmit the disease but we're just going to be overly cautious.

Keep everybody in quarantine.

Treat our dogs just like our kids.

Treat.

Treat our cats like our kids.

Keep everybody safe at home."

The richmond road veterinary clinic wrote on it's website saying... employees want people to know that they are thinking of them during these uncertain times and are still available as a resource for your pets care.

Alex: "to learn more about what you can do to protect your furry family members... visit our website wtvq.com.

Reporting from home,