People infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that may result in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) face many changes in their lives. Some experience the loss of health, employment, and friends.
When this happens, the companionship of a beloved pet can offer real emotional, psychological, and physical benefits. Many pets offer unconditional and dependable love and affection.
Sometimes people with HIV are advised by well-meaning friends and health care providers to get rid of their pets because of misconceptions about the health risks of pet ownership. Sometimes infected individuals have difficulty caring for their pets due to the financial and physical challenges that may result from their HIV-related conditions.
But with proper care and understanding, pet owners infected with HIV may be able to live with their animals longer than they first imagined. In fact, if the pet is healthy and behaves appropriately, the potential human health risks of pet companionship have been shown to be minimal.
Both the person's physician and the pet's veterinarian should be consulted in order to explore all options before making the individually appropriate decision.
The following are answers to questions frequently asked by those infected with HIV.
Could I have been infected with HIV by a cat or dog? Can I infect my cat or dog?
No. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus only infects humans and other primates and, therefore, cannot be spread from or to dogs, cats, or even birds, fish, or reptiles.
I've had pets all my life and never had any problems. Why should I be worried now that I am infected with HIV?
Pets can carry zoonotic infections, that is, infections that are shared by people and pets. Because your resistance is low, you are more susceptible to these diseases now. But the good news is that you can minimize your risk by working with your veterinarian to test, medicate and care appropriately for your pet.
Just how dangerous is it for me to own a pet?
HIV-infected individuals contract zoonotic infections more often from contaminated food, water, soil, or even other people than from pets. Thus, for you, the advantages of pet ownership may far outweigh the risks. You will want to gather as much information as you can so that you can make the decision that is best for you and your pet.
Can my friends get my HIV infection by playing with my dog, cat, or bird, or by helping me to take care of them?
No. There is no evidence to suggest that dogs, cats, or birds can carry or transmit HIV to people.
I've thought it over and decided to live with a pet. How can a veterinarian help me?
A veterinarian can provide valuable information about how to keep your pet healthy. If you do not own a pet, a veterinarian can provide intelligent guidance on pet selection, care, feeding, and environmental management. All of these factors are important to help you gain the maximum benefits of pet ownership while minimizing your health risks.
Should your pet become sick, a veterinarian can provide appropriate medical and surgical care to help your pet recover from its illness.
I don't yet have a pet. What should I look for?
New pets present a risk because they may come to you with little or no health history. You must take extra precautions. A veterinarian should examine all new pets for parasites and other diseases transmissible to people. Be especially careful with puppies, kittens, and reptiles who are more likely to carry infection.
For your pet's sake, select one whose energy level and exercise requirements match yours.
What other precautions should I take?
It is best to avoid contact with all sick animals, especially those with diarrhea. Also, avoid stray, exotic, and wild animals; reptiles including snakes and iguanas; and monkeys.
Find someone who, at a moment's notice, can help care for your pet. Establish a way to notify your friend in case of emergency. Be sure your friend will follow the Pet Care Guidelines in this article.
What are the best measures to take if I decide to keep my pet or adopt one?
Pet Selection
Select a pet whose temperament, energy level, and environmental needs match yours.
Consider an older pet who may be safer than a young one. Avoid reptiles who carry Salmonella sp. and monkeys.
Veterinary Care
Have a veterinarian examine new pets and run blood and fecal tests.
Keep your pet's vaccinations current.
Seek veterinary care immediately for sick pets.
Control fleas and other pests.
Have your dog or cat surgically neutered. He/She will be less likely to roam, and females won't have vaginal discharges.
Pet Care
Keep your pet clean and well groomed with toenails kept short and blunt.
Always walk your pet on a leash. Minimize your pet's contact with other animals.
Prevent hunting and scavenging.
Don't allow your pet to drink from the toilet.
Keep your pet's living and feeding areas clean.
Assure a balanced diet by feeding only commercially prepared pet foods.
Never feed raw meat, raw poultry, uncooked eggs, or unpasteurized milk.
Don't allow birds to fly free in your home. You must avoid their droppings.
Be sure your bird's seed is fresh.
Other Guidelines
Don't allow your pet to lick your face.
Wash your hands after handling your pet.
If bitten, wash wound thoroughly with soap and water and apply an antiseptic. Check animal's vaccination status and contact a physician immediately.
Use a litter box liner (trash bags work well). Throw away the liner and litter daily. All litter, even the clumping type, must be discarded completely every 24 hours.
Keep the litter box away from food areas.
Wear rubber gloves and a face mask when cleaning the litter box, aquarium, or bird cage.
Minimize contact with urine, blood, feces, and vaginal discharges. Clean soiled areas with a solution of one ounce bleach per quart of water. Wear rubber gloves and wash your hands after each clean-up.
Keep your home and yard free of wild rodents.
Use extra care when handling animals less than six months old, especially if they have diarrhea or skin problems.
I don't have HIV, but my physician says I am immunosuppressed. How dangerous is it for me to own a pet?
Cancer patients, diabetics, transplant recipients, infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and people on immunosuppressive medications may have compromised immune systems.
If you practice safe pet guidelines, the benefits of pet ownership may far outweigh the risks of zoonotic infections.
Should I be concerned about the feline leukemia virus and the feline immunodeficiency virus?
The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) do not infect people. They are species-specific, that is, they infect only cats.
What should I look for when choosing a veterinarian?
You will want to select a veterinarian who is willing to provide an expanded preventive health care program for pets who live with immunocompromised people. Your pet's program will need to match your level of immunosuppression.
To help both you and your pet, your veterinarian will test for parasites and bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoan infections that could harm you now that your immunity is low.
Be assured that veterinarians, as health professionals, will maintain doctor-client confidentiality.
What diseases might I get from a pet? How common are these infections?
Several agents are known to infect both people and domestic animals have been found in HIV-infected people. However, medical scientists believe that people infected with HIV rarely get these agents directly from a pet. More often, they are acquired from contaminated soil, food, water, wild birds, or infected people.
When evaluating the risk of pet ownership, consider the following infectious agents diagnosed in people with HIV and the evidence for their transmission directly from pets to people.
| Infectious Agent? |
Occurrence in
HIV-patients? |
Risk of direct transmission from pet? |
| Toxoplama gondii |
Common |
Low |
| Mycobacterium avium-intacellulare |
Common |
Very low |
| Cryptosporidium sp. |
Moderate |
Unknown, probably low |
| Giardia lamblia |
Moderate |
Low |
| Cryptococcus neoformans |
Moderate |
Very low |
| Salmonella sp. (non-typhi) |
Low |
Unknown, probably low |
| Campylobacter sp. |
Low |
Unknown, probably low |
| Bartonella henselae |
Low |
High |
Will my pet be okay when I am hospitalized?
Several volunteer groups have been formed to assist pet owners infected with HIV. These groups provide information, assistance, and foster care during hospitalization and, when necessary, find new homes for pets. The services are provided free or at a minimal cost.
Several such support groups are-
Pets Are Loving Support for People With AIDS (PALS) - Atlanta, GA - 404-876-7257
Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) - San Francisco, CA - 415-241-1460
Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) - Los Angeles, CA - 213-876-7297
PETS-DC - Washington, DC - 202-234-7387
Pet Owners With HIV/AIDS Resource Service, Inc. (POWARS) - New York, NY - 212-246-6307
The Delta Society - Renton, WA - 800-869-6898
Also, public health officers, animal shelters, and veterinarians may help you find foster care and support groups.
What will happen to my pet after I am gone?
Make plans now. Select a new owner. Keep all health records and registration papers in proper order and readily accessible. Be sure your pet's new owner is prepared to help immediately.
Do not rely on your Last Will and Testament. Your pet must be welcomed into its new home long before your will is read.
Where might I find more information about HIV/AIDS?
Besides seeking information from physicians, veterinarians, and pet-support groups, look for help from an AIDS-support group in your community or call-
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National AIDS Hotline - 800-342-AIDS
The National AIDS Information Clearinghouse - 800-458-5231
American Red Cross - Contact your local chapter
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - Washington, DC 202-663-4900
SOURCE- Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health