The chance of a household pet infecting another animal or a person is negligibly small when compared to infection from person to person. As a precaution, the RIVM National Institute for Public Health and the Environment   (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) advises people who are ill or have symptoms to avoid contact with their pets. This means not stroking or cuddling pets and keeping a distance of 1.5 meters from them. It is also important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water.