The coronavirus has upended every aspect of our lives, even the way we care for our beloved pets. Walking the dog, getting supplies from the pet store, or taking a sick pup to the vet isn’t safe for the vulnerable or the elderly. Quarantine has also temporarily postponed other activities that bring us joy — watching our pups zoom around the dog park, dining out with our dogs at our favorite restaurant, and sightseeing in a new city with our favorite furry explorers by our side.
At Wag!, a technology marketplace for pet service providers and pet owners, or as we call them, pet caregivers and pet parents, we are observing the unforeseen impact of the pandemic as it hit during one of the busiest times of the year. While there is a decrease in demand, we know essential employees and high risk individuals continue to rely on the services provided by our pet caregivers. Our community is here to support.
Pet caregivers have gone above and beyond to provide “socially distanced” services.
We recognize the impact COVID-19 has on everyone, particularly pet service providers — but the good news is, this won’t last forever. And in the meantime, while humans are staying inside during social distancing, our four-legged family members still need their walks, and there are a few important tips pet service providers and owners should consider following to protect themselves as well as the pups and people they’re helping.
Contactless Best Practices for the Pet Services Business Community During COVID-19
To minimize the spread of COVID-19, we shared these tips with our pet caregivers and want to share more broadly with the pet services business community. From pet food and supply pickup and delivery to bathing, household tasks, and transportation to/from veterinary appointments, here are practical and safe ways to get the job done by providing contactless or socially distanced services.
1. Come prepared with gloves, hand sanitizer, and cloth face masks if possible.
We recognize that there are supply constraints for these items, but to protect yourself and the pet owner you’re assisting, try to stock up on gloves, hand sanitizer, and cloth face masks if possible. Per the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, avoid using medical-grade masks to help prevent shortages in hospitals. Currently, there’s no evidence to suggest that pets can spread COVID-19 to humans.
2. Confirm all instructions with the pet owner.
Communicate with the pet owner to establish clear expectations and instructions regarding pick-up and drop-off. Even if he/she doesn’t specifically request a socially distanced service, it’s a good idea to offer one anyway for your own protection.
3. Practice social distancing on your walks.
Stay-at-home orders mean you shouldn’t encounter too many people on your walks. Still, stay safe by avoiding popular trails and parks and sticking to sidewalks in quiet residential areas when possible.
One common concern for pet service providers is socialization during the coronavirus. Exposing dogs to a wide variety of social situations involving other pups and people is crucial for a dog’s cognitive development and behavior training. However, avoid socializing or at least maintain 6 feet of distance while allowing the dog to greet passersby.
4. Wash your hands before and after the service.
Washing your hands frequently or using a hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol content kills viruses. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. Sneeze and cough into your elbow. If you develop symptoms of the coronavirus — including fever, dry cough, and difficulty breathing — seek immediate medical care.
5. Contact the veterinarian clinic ahead of time if transporting a pet for medical care.
While most veterinary clinics remain open during the pandemic, operating hours and procedures may vary. Some facilities have introduced curbside services, while others offer phone consultations. Although some offices continue to allow routine checkups, non-essential care, like spay/neuter, vaccinations, and elective surgeries, may be unavailable.
6. Stay updated on the coronavirus pandemic.
One of the best ways to protect yourself and your community while providing pet care is to stay updated. Wag!’s COVID-19 Resource Center and Frequently Asked Questions are reviewed and updated regularly. The Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) and the World Health Organization’s up-to-the-minute coronavirus coverage are also trustworthy resources.
What Wag! is Doing to Support the Pet Services Business Community
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned from operating during the coronavirus is the importance of adaptability. We’re grateful that our business model fosters the flexibility needed for a rapid response to this unprecedented pandemic.
To support the unique needs of pet owners during this trying time, we responded by launching the Wag! Now initiative in late March. Wag! Now helps protect pet parents by allowing pet caregivers to deliver essential supplies and transport pets to the veterinarian for emergency care.
Our approach to our signature dog walking service has also changed drastically due to COVID-19. Pet parents can now request a socially distanced service through the Wag! app and prepare their dog by attaching their leash and handing it to the pet caregiver from a safe distance to minimize contact.
The safety of pets, pet parents and pet caregivers is top priority — we’ll continue to monitor the situation and adjust our practices accordingly.
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Patrick McCarthy is vice president of marketing at Wag!.
This article originally appeared on Nextdoor.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
Featured Image Credit: hedgehog94 / iStock.
