June 30, 2025— If you're going through cancer treatment, spending time with your pet can be deeply comforting. But it can also come with risks.
Some studies show that pets can be an important part of the cancer recovery process. Spending time with pets can reduce pain, depression and stress, reports the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR).
But keep in mind that cancer treatment can affect your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infections. And animals—even adorable, fuzzy ones—carry germs that can pose a risk to your health. The good news? Some simple changes can help keep you safe.
Caring for pets during cancer treatment
This advice from the AICR and the American Cancer Society (ACS) can make spending time with pets safer throughout your cancer journey.
Avoid clean-up duty. Some infections can spread through feces and urine. The ACS advises you to have someone else tackle the litter box, bird cage or any indoor accidents.
Ask them for help making sure food and water bowls are cleaned regularly too. And keep litter boxes away from your kitchen and dining area.
If no one else can do the job for you, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water when you're finished cleaning up any pet waste.
Rethink your snuggle sessions. It's fine to caress your pet, but always wash your hands afterwards, says the ACS. Touching your pet and then touching your eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound can spread germs.
Avoid kissing, hugging and sleeping with your pet during your treatment. And don't let your pet lick your face or any part of your body that has cuts or wounds.
Keep pets well-groomed. Trimmed nails are less likely to scratch you and possibly cause infection. Take your pet to a groomer for baths or ask a friend or family member to take this on for you.
If you do get scratched, disinfect the wound, cover it with a bandage and watch it carefully. If the scratch is red, swollen or oozing pus, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Visit the vet. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on checkups, vaccines, and any needed medications or treatment. Tell the vet you're undergoing cancer treatment, and ask if there is anything you should take extra care with.
Stay away from certain animals. Now may not be the time to adopt a pet or take in a stray. New animals require more time and energy, and spending time in kennels or eating unsafe foods can mean increased exposure to germs.
Other animals that pose a higher-than-usual risk to people with weakened immune systems include:
- Reptiles.
- Rodents.
- Exotic pets (like monkeys).
- Wild animals.
Keeping a balance
You can still love, be with and care for your pets during your cancer treatment. But putting your safety first and making these small adjustments to your daily routine will help you and your critters stay healthy.
Learn more about preventing infections during chemotherapy.
Sources
- American Cancer Society. "Caring for Pets During Your Cancer Treatment." https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/coping/caring-for-pets-during-cancer-treatment.html.
- American Institute for Cancer Research. "Caring for Pets While You Have Cancer: What You Need to Know." https://www.aicr.org/resources/blog/caring-for-pets-while-you-have-cancer-what-you-need-to-know/.
- CancerCare. "CancerCare's Pet Assistance & Wellness (PAW) Program Q&A with Dr. Lidia Schapira." https://www.cancercare.org/blog/paw_program_q&a_dr_schapira.