To keep our 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.
Our virtual meet and greet visit can be done virtually by Zoom. During our meeting, we will spend the time getting to know each other, talking about your pet(s), routines and behaviors, address questions and concerns. This meeting can also be done in person while social-distancing and wearing masks.
When clients are home during a visit, we ask that they wait in a separate room while we get the dog ready for our walk, complete the visit, and when we drop them off. An alternative option is our "Porch Pick-up". If you are home and do not want us inside, you will have your dog ready to go to hand off to us at the door (while wearing face masks) or have your dog waiting in a fenced yard ready to go.
Where did COVID-19 make the jump from animals to people?
Right now, they are still trying to unravel this mystery - as of this writing - they think it came from a bat, who then infected a pangolin (find out what a Pangolin is here). Pangolins are one of the most trafficked and endangered animals in the world, and they are eaten and used in folk remedies in Asia and Africa. This article will help you understand more about this.
Does my pet need a mask when we go out in public?
There is no reason to put a mask on your pet. If you are going to a place where you won't be able to social distance - wearing a mask is recommended for people, but your cat and dog do not need one.
Is there more information about pets contracting Corona Virus?
As this pandemic evolves we learn more about this disease. It does seem like both cats and dogs can get a mild form of COVID. But the main driver of COVID-19 is human to human transfer. As of this writing, there are no reports of a pet to human transmission. When you're out walking, it's a good idea for not only you but your pet to social distance too. Although pet fur isn't a good agent for the transfer of COVID-19, the AVMA is recommending that you don't let your pets interact with people you don't know right now.