Question: As a K9 handler for law enforcement, is there any specific procedure for protecting our canines and other dogs from the exposure to COVID-19

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: If You Have Pets
section_headers: Protect pets if you are sick
section_content: If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test), you
should restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would
with people. Until we know more about this virus, people sick with COVID-19
should avoid contact with pets and other animals.

When possible, have another member of your household care for your pets while you are sick.
Avoid contact with your pet including, petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding.
If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

If you are sick with COVID-19 and your pet becomes sick, do not take your
pet to the veterinary clinic yourself. Call your veterinarian and let them
know you have been sick with COVID-19. Some veterinarians may offer
telemedicine consultations or other plans for seeing sick pets. Your
veterinarian can evaluate your pet and determine the next steps for your pet’s
treatment and care.
For more information visit: What to Do if You are
Sick.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Discusses pets but not specifically police canines.
This advice does not apply to K9 handler or a working dog, this is mainly with household pets.

Reviewer ratings:
Bad
Bad

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Frequently Asked Questions
section_headers: COVID-19 and Animals
What precautions should be taken for animals that have recently been imported from outside the United States (for example, by shelters, rescues, or as personal pets)?
section_content: Imported animals will need to meet
CDC and USDAexternal iconexternal
icon
requirements for entering the United States. At this time, there is no
evidence that companion animals, including pets and service animals, can
spread the virus that causes COVID-19. As with any animal introduced to a new
environment, animals recently imported should be observed daily for signs of
illness. If an animal becomes ill, the animal should be examined by a
veterinarian. Call your local veterinary clinic before bringing the animal
into the clinic and let them know that the animal was recently imported from
another country.
This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it
becomes available.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Discusses importing animals with no mention of the police.
This answer applies to imported animals, not to K9 handlers or working animals.

Reviewer ratings:
Bad
Bad

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: FAQs for Law Enforcement Agencies and Personnel
section_headers: Is there any specific guidance for protecting police canines from COVID-19 exposure?
section_content: We are still learning about the virus, but it appears that it can spread from
people to animals in some situations. Therefore, CDC recommends that people
sick with COVID-19 restrict contact with animals until more information is
known about the virus.

If a police canine that has been exposed to a person or setting with COVID-19 develops a new illness, contact your veterinary clinic and let them know that a working dog with a COVID-19 exposure has developed a new illness.
Your veterinarian can evaluate your pet and determine the next steps for your pet’s treatment and care. For more information, please see CDC’s If You Have Animals guidance.
Do not use products not approved for use on animals to try to clean a police canine’s fur or paws.


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Has guidelines for protecting animals from coronavirus and mentions police dogs specifically.
This answer is perfectly crafted for K9 handler and law enforcement, through specifically stating tips and procedures for K9 handlers.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Excellent