Three dogs and a budgie were rescued by the RSCPA after their owner was taken to hospital with coronavirus symptoms.
Animal welfare officers were called to a house in Skelmersdale on Monday, after they received reports that the pets were alone inside the house.
This came after the man that lives at the property was taken into Wigan Infirmary for treatment with the virus last week and neighbours informed social services.
The RSCPA was unable to enter the house for 72 hours after being informed, due to risk of contamination from coronavirus.
However, on Monday, Inspector Paul Heaton and Animal Welfare Officer Dave Hatton attended the scene wearing PPE and using a key from a neighbour to gain entry to the house, they rescued the pets.
Two Yorkshire Terriers, a Cairn Terrier-cross and a budgie were taken from the property and are all described as being in a good and healthy condition.
They are now in the care of the RSPCA and will remain with the charity until the owner recovers.
The RSPCA is encouraging owners to make a plan for their pets during the coronavirus outbreak, to make sure animals get the care they need in an emergency.
For all the latest coronavirus updates click here.
Inspector Paul Heaton said: “We had the full PPE clothing on with face masks and shoe covers and we were able to carry out the safe rescue of these pets.
“I went in the house to rescue the pets and put them in my van to transfer to a kennel while Dave followed me in his van.
“As he had not come into contact with the house he took the pets inside the kennels while I disinfected the van. All the procedures were in place to get these pets the help they needed.
“The dogs looked in really healthy condition, they are obviously much loved pets."
“I am so pleased the pets are now safe and I now just hope the owner returns to full health so he can be reunited with them.”
A spokesperson from the charity said: "The RSPCA is encouraging owners to make a plan for their pet during the Coronavirus outbreak, to make sure animals get the care they need in an emergency.
"Councils have a duty under legislation in England and Wales to make provision for the protection of property (which includes pets) of people within their area who are taken into hospital.
"This means they must board and care for those animals unless or until there are friends or relatives of the person who can do this.
"In this case the RSPCA was able to help but is encouraging pet to owners to fill in an emergency pet care form and display this visibly in their home to ensure that, should the worst happen, there will be someone there to care for their pet.
"We hope the more prepared people can be the less pressure is placed on councils and other agencies to care for the nations’ pets in these situations."
Dr Samantha Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s companion animals department, said: “Although no one wants to think about the worst happening, in these strange and challenging times it's important to consider what would happen to our pets if we become ill, are hospitalised, or pass away.
“The RSPCA is urging pet owners to take steps to set up a care plan for their pet in the event that they can no longer care for them.
“They should think about who would look after their pets and have a chat with family, friends and neighbours to make sure they're happy to take on this responsibility.
"They will also need to know where to find guidance on Coronavirus and pets so that they can keep themselves and their pet’s safe.”
To fill out the RSCPA emergency pet care form click here.
