Can my pet get Coronavirus?
With Coronavirus in the news, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the facts. While it can be scary to read about, this post is meant to inform over anything else. I want you, your pets, and everyone in your life to be happy and healthy. Let’s jump in and address what we know right now:
Let’s start with the basics… What is the Coronavirus?
According to the CDC, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was “first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person-to-person. Unfortunately, there are still many unknowns at this point.
Can my pet get Coronavirus?
As a pet parent, I understand your concerns! While dogs may be at risk to contract certain types of coronaviruses, (ex. The canine respiratory coronavirus), COVID-19 is NOT believed to be a threat to pets.
The World Health Organization stated there have been no reported cases of coronavirus in domestic animals. Of course, it’s still early days and this could change. Be mindful to keep up with the latest news to monitor for any updates. Of course, if you notice any changes in your pet’s health and/or behavior, take them to your local vet just to be sure.
How can we prevent Coronavirus?
Unfortunately, there is no current vaccine to prevent COVID-19. Naturally, the easiest way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure – however, we can’t lock ourselves inside forever! Plus, our furry friends love the outdoors.
As you go about your daily routine, keep these simple reminders with you:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Regularly wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes.
While these may be actions you already practice every day, it’s always good to keep in mind and encourage others to do the same!
Business precautions we’re taking…
As your trusted pet sitter, please know that we are doing everything we can to keep a safe and healthy environment for YOU, your pet’s, and our employees. It’s one thing to worry about yourself and your family with the spread of disease, but it adds another layer when you have a business to run and staff members to think about.
How we’re keeping our employees healthy…
To keep YOU safe, we’re enforcing the following safety protocol that our staff members must follow. We’re also mindful to provide things around the office to encourage healthy habits; from hand sanitizer to alcohol wipes, we strive to provide a healthy and happy environment.
In running a pet sitting/dog walking business, we know that our employees need to be super cognizant not to spread germs from house to house. Our basic protocol is for pet sitters and dog walkers to always wash their hands at the beginning and end of each visit.
Safety Protocol
In our best efforts to keep out clients and community safe during COVID-19, we have implemented these strict protocols that all staff must follow:
- Wear facial covering and gloves.
- Wash hands for 20 seconds before and after handling pets.
- Keep hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes with them at all times and use before, during and after each visit.
- Disinfect leashes and frequently touch objects, like door knobs and keypads.
- Practice social distancing both on and off duty.
- Alert the owner if they suspect that might be ill, or have been exposed to someone who is.
- Check the CDC & WHO websites frequently for recommendations and updates.
Resources to stay up to date!
Luckily, there are plenty of great resources so you can stay in the loop as more news comes out regarding COVID-19. These are the top two websites for official information:
It’s easy to become overwhelmed with conflicting news reports, blogs, and personal anecdotes – that’s why it’s crucial to keep up with the latest official information. If you have any other concerns or you’re looking for more tips and ideas, feel free to reach out to me.
Be safe and stay healthy!
With Coronavirus in the news, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the facts. While it can be scary to read about, this post is meant to inform over anything else. I want you, your pets, and everyone in your life to be happy and healthy. Let’s jump in and address what we know right now:…