As the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, (the virus that causes COVID-19), continues its advance across the globe, we know many of you are concerned about the health and safety of your family—including your pets.
in accordance with the latest guidelines from the World Health Organisation (WHO), GOV.UK, and the NHS, we’ve put together this resource for pet parents to address some of the questions you may have and to simply provide reassurance.
We will continue to monitor the progress of the disease and update this article with new information as it becomes available.
Important: This resource is intended for educational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for a veterinary examination
Can Pets Get the Coronavirus?
It has been reported that cats are able to contract COVID-19, and a study published by the journal Science, along with recent information from the CDC, supports these reports. According to the study, however, there is no evidence of transmission of the disease from cats to humans, and the CDC continues to maintain the same. As of 23/4/2020, the CDC website says, “At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.”
The situation is ongoing. Reuters reports that the WHO will “take a closer look at transmission of the virus between humans and pets,” and the CDC has indicated it is “working with human and animal health partners to monitor this situation and will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.” We will continue to monitor developments and update this article as necessary.
As indicated above, and, as Richter explains below, we echo the CDC’s common-sense precaution to “wash your hands after being around animals.”
Pet-Safe Cleaning Tips
Washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, and sanitising surfaces: these recommendations are important in any home, with or without pets. But as Dr. Richter points out, there’s no need to use special “sanitising” products on your pet. In fact, hand sanitiser, with its high alcohol content, should not be applied to your dog (or cat). Instead, an ordinary bath with pet-safe soap or shampoo will suffice. Pet-specific paw wipes are handy for reducing dirt and wiping away potential allergens like pollen. They will not kill germs like the coronavirus however (just like human baby wipes cannot).
Procedure at City Sit Stay- Re Coronavirus
We continue to monitor updates from the WHO, GOV.UK, and the NHS, and follow their specific recommendations. Our team is staying current on all developments surrounding the new coronavirus and will continue to provide resources to keep our community informed and up to date.
In conjunction with the local council, The Kennel Club, and our insurance policy, all pick up’s and drop off’s are now contact-less. This means there is no face to face human contact, therefore reducing risk/exposure related issues. This also helps keep staff members safe as some have been shielding. While some of these new guidelines are new, most should be familiar to you.
- All dogs are by appointment only- you must have pre-booked
- You will be expected to call when outside for pickups and drop offs- please don’t ring the bell
- The double door system will be used for all dogs, or carriers/bags for small pups.
- At drop off, please place all your dogs food/ treats/toys between the doors where it will be moved directly to your dogs designated cubby/fridge space
- You will be asked to leave your dogs lead/ harness here also
- Your dog will be gently wiped down with a pet safe disposable damp cloth which will be disposed of properly afterwards
- due to cross contamination issues, your dog will only get it’s toys from your home during quiet time or supervised play – don’t worry, we have plenty of other toys here at all times
- please contact us if you or anyone in your household have any signs or symptoms or coronavirus
- all beds, bedding and communal toys are washed every 24 hours
- disinfection rates will increase
- please make sure you socially distance from any other owners waiting outside. 1 person on the stairs at a time
- Your dogs food and treats MUST be handed over in a non returnable bag. Sadly as much as I don’t want to encourage the use of single use plastics, it’s now a safety risk.
- You are advised to use hand sanitizer after your dog has been handed back to you
IN CASE OF ILLNESS
Staff:
If one of our staff becomes ill, we will self quarantine the entire staff for a minimum of two weeks, during which we will close to all. Dogs that are already here being boarded will be cared for as usual, with the most current cautionary measures in place for pickup. Daycare clients will be notified immediately.
Clients:
If you or a member of your household becomes ill, please include your dog in your quarantine. In an abundance of caution, we will not accept dogs who live in household with active COVID-19 illness. They are welcome to join us as soon as all the humans are in the clear.
As this is an evolving situation, please consult the WHO, GOV.UK, and the NHS for updates.
Thank you to Rover, The Kennel Club and The Grinning Dog for help with this article
