Every day, many animals are imported through LAX both domestically and internationally. Veterinary Public Health has received funding and is partnering with the CDC to test animals imported through LAX for both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19 while influenza viruses cause what is commonly known as the 'flu' in both animals and people.  This project will help us to learn more about both viruses in animals.

If your pet was tested through this project, you may look up test results by entering the unique Test ID# below.  Test results should be available 1-3 business days from the time your pet was swabbed.

What if I cannot find the results for my pet?

If 3 business days have passed since your pet was swabbed and your test results are not available here, please email or call Los Angeles Veterinary Public Health at vet@ph.lacounty.gov or call 213-288-7060 (Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm).  Please have your Test ID # available.  If you do not have the Test ID # please be ready to provide the date of the test, your pet's species (dog or cat), and the country of origin for your flight.  Because this survey was anonymous, we did not collect identifying information about you and collected only limited information about your pet.  Therefore, without a Test ID #, we cannot guarantee we can retrieve results for your pet.

What kind of test is used?

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are used to detect fragments of genetic material of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses in your pet's swab.

Can I get a copy of the records to give to my veterinarian?

Only a Test ID # was assigned to your pet and no identifying factors for your pet or you were collected.  Therefore, these results would not be considered an official medical record for your pet.

What if my pet tests positive for SARS-CoV-2?

At this time, the risk of dogs or cats spreading SARS-CoV-2 to people appears to be low, although people who have weakened immune systems might have a higher risk.  There have been some cases of animals spreading the virus to other animals.  As a precaution, it is recommended that you keep your pet at home until 14 days after the date your pet was swabbed if the test is positive.  While your pet is at home, take the same precautions you would with a person with COVID-19.  Keep them away from anyone who has a weakened immune system.  Wear gloves and a mask when caring for them.  Do not put masks on your pet; masks could harm your pet.  Wash your hands after touching them and disinfect areas regularly.  Do not allow your pet to lick your face.  At the end of the 14 days, if they have not shown symptoms for at least 72 hours, it should be safe for your pet to spend time again with others.  At any time if your pet is not feeling well, contact your veterinarian.

What if my pet tests positive for influenza (flu)?

In general dogs and cats infected with influenza viruses pose a low risk to people, but the virus may spread easily to other pets.  We recommend you keep your pet at home and away from other pets until 28 days after the swab was taken if the test was positive.  Do not visit places where other pets gather such as grooming, daycare, training, and dog parks.  Monitor your pet for symptoms and contact your veterinarian if your pet is sick.  Follow your veterinarian's recommendations.  Wash your hands after touching your pet, disinfect areas regularly, and do not allow your pet to lick your face.  With certain types of influenza, we will you to contact our office so that we can give you more information.

What does it mean if my pet tests negative for these viruses?

If your pet's results are negative, it means that our test did not detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus or influenza viruses.  It does not guarantee that your pet does not have these viruses.  Consult your veterinarian if your pet is sick or if you have questions about these viruses in pets. 

For questions or to contact us about this project:

• Email us at vet@ph.lacounty.gov or

• Call us at 213-288-7060 (ask to speak to the veterinarian-on-call) - Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm

Frequently Asked Questions - Testing animals at LAX for SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza (obtaining your pet's test results)

For more information on COVID-19 and animals, please visit here. 

For more information on influenza in animals in Los Angeles County, visit here. 

Last updated: September 1, 2023