Government advice on boarding and grooming pets has been updated following the latest loosening of coronavirus restrictions on April 12.
Where previously grooming was for welfare purposes only, the guidance now states: “You can take your pet to be groomed. Where possible, you should contact the groomer in advance to make an appointment.”
The guidance for boarding establishments states that, where possible, delivering and collecting a pet should be by appointment only.
Boarding establishments have been permitted to remain open but many have been adversely affected by the lack of travel and the number of people now working from home, meaning their services have not been required.
Other guidance for pet owners is largely around making appointments as far as possible so that social distancing measures are in place – this applies to veterinary surgery visits and when buying or adopting a pet.
There is also advice on dog walking, which says:
You can walk your dog outdoors with friends and family you do not live with, either in a:
> group of 6 (people of all ages, including children, count towards the limit of 6)
> group of any size from up to 2 households (each household can include existing support bubbles, if eligible)
You should stay two metres apart from anyone outside of your household or support bubble.
If you walk your dog in areas used by other people, or with other dog handlers or people from outside your house, consider putting your dog on a lead so you can stay two metres away from others.
People are also advised to wash their hands before and after handling pets.
In general, people who are affected by coronavirus or self-isolating should make arrangements for others to care for their pets.
It says the virus does not easily pass from pets to humans – although this cannot be ruled out – but may pass from infected people to pets such as dogs, cats and ferrets.
