Veterinarians answer important questions regarding benefits and risks of pet ownership for people infected with HIV/AIDS.

People infected with Human Immunodefinciency 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 and psychological 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.

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.

Could I have been infected by a cat or dog? Can I infect my cat or dog?

No. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus only infects human 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. 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 take care of him?

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 have 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 infections.

For your pet's sake, select one whose energy level and exercise requirement match yours.

It is best to avoid contact with all sick animals, especially those with diarrhea. Also, avoid stray, exotic, and wild animals; reptiles and monkeys.

Find someone who, at a moment's notice, can help care for your pet. Be sure your friend will follow the pet care guidelines in this brochure.

Several agents 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:

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.

Because they cause immunosuppression in cats, either virus may make your pet more likely to contract diseases that may be passed on to you. Ask your veterinarian what health care program is best for you and your cat.

If you plan to adopt a cat, it is important to have it tested for FeLV and FIV and vaccinated for FeLV before you expose it to other cats. Remember, both of these viruses are contagious from cat to cat.

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 immuno-compromised people. Your pet's program will need to match your level of immunosupression.

To help both you and your pet, your veterinarian will test for parasites and bacterial, viral 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 are the best measures to take if I decide to keep my pet or adopt one?

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 and monkeys.

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.

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 meats or unpasteurized milk. Be sure your bird's seed is fresh.

Don't allow your pet to lick your face. Wash your hands after handling your pet. Use a litter box liner (trash bags work well). Throw away the liner and litter daily, 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. Don't allow birds to fly free in your home. You must avoid their droppings.

Several volunteer groups have been formed to assist pet owners with HIV/AIDS. 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 nominal cost. Several such organizations are:

PAWS-San Francisco, CA; PALS-Atlanta, GA; POWARS- New York City, NY; PETS-DC-Washington, DC; The Delta Society-Renton, WA; Action AIDS-Philadelphia, PA

Also, public health officers and veterinarians may help you find foster care and support groups.

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.

Gloria J. Dorsey, DVM, Caroline B. Schaffer, DVM, James A. Ferguson, DVM, PhD, Dipl ACVPM

Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, Tukegee, AL 36088