Veterinary Public Health is offering free testing of animals for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) in Los Angeles County.  The virus is still circulating in people and animals and we are partnering with various animal care facilities to test many different species of animals such as pets, wildlife, and marine mammals.

Your pet is eligible for free testing

if they were exposed to a person with COVID-19

within the past 7 days,

whether your pet is showing symptoms or not.

Here is a flyer for this SARS-CoV-2 testing program for animals.

 Please share!

How does testing my pet work?

• Complete this formand email it to vet@ph.lacounty.gov or call us at 213-288-7060 (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm)

• We will contact you to set up a date and time when you are home and able to swab your own animal.

• We will hand you a testing swab from outside of your door and will wait while you gently swab the inside of your pet's mouth/throat

• After collecting the swab, we will contact you with the results within 10 business days via email or phone

• If your pet is sick or ill, please consult with your veterinarian.  Veterinary Public Health cannot provide veterinary care for animals when we bring the test kit to your home.

What are potential symptoms of COVID-19 in animals?

Most animals with COVID-19 have no symptoms but some animals may show:

• Fever

• Coughing

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Lack of energy or sluggish behavior

• Sneezing

• Runny nose

• Discharge from the nose

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

For veterinary clinics, shelters and other animal care facilities:

• If you are interested to partner with us to test animals for SARS-CoV-2, please contact us at vet@ph.lacounty.gov or call 213-288-7060.

• To report a SARS-CoV-2 positive or suspect animal, use this reporting form

• Consider posting this infographic at your facility to advertise the free testing that we offer 

Last updated: October 3, 2023