March 17, 2020 | Tags: advice, disaster, pet care, safety
Updated: April 15, 2020
Our top priority is the safety of our clients, Pet Care Providers and pets during these uncertain times. Most Fetch! Pet Care franchise locations continue to provide pet care services and we want to assure you that our team is staying current on all developments surrounding the virus. We are monitoring updates from the Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization, and American Veterinary Medical Association, and following their specific recommendations. We are also closely monitoring Federal, state, county and city authorities as well.
Fetch! Pet Care Enhanced, CDC-Compliant Safety Procedures
Fetch! Pet Care has recently implemented enhanced, CDC-compliant safety procedures to reduce the spread of germs, help “flatten the curve” of virus transmission, and confine our Pet Care Provider’s movement within the client’s home. It includes a sanitation station that each client provides at the entrance of their home as well as step-by-step instructions for performing a dog walk or pet visit that each Pet Care Provider follows to ensure their client’s home and health is protected.
Continuing Pet Care Services During the Coronavirus Pandemic
When possible, we encourage our clients to consider letting your walker keep their normally scheduled walks. Some clients who are not currently receiving service continue to pay for them, and others have chosen to leave a tip for sitters to help offset the lost wages cancellations cause. It is a heartwarming and amazing feeling to see our community come together to support each other!
How Do I Know if My Local Fetch! Pet Care is Providing Service
We encourage you to contact that franchise location directly. You can find their contact information by clicking here.
Setting Up a Sanitation Station for Your Pet Care Provider
Clients are asked to provide a sanitation station at the entrance to their home to limit the movement of the Pet Care Provider in their home. Employees will wipe off anything they touch with the supplies provided in the sanitation station.
Dog Walking Sanitation Station should include:
- Dog leash and harness
- Poop bags
- Treats
- Pet-safe wipes or cleaning supplies to kill germs
- Pet-safe hand sanitizer or a bucket of water and soap for hand washing
Cat & Small Pet Sanitation Station should include:
- Food and water bowls (make sure to have a full supply of food)
- Any medications
- Litter box, disposal bags and extra supplies
- Pet-safe wipes or cleaning supplies to kill germs
- Pet-safe hand sanitizer or a bucket of water and soap for hand washing
Supporting Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers
Many Fetch! Pet Care locations are accepting new clients who are essential critical infrastructure workers who might need assistance caring for their pet as they care for our community. Please help us share this so we can provide these heroes with some peace of mind.
Preventative Measures to Contain the Coronavirus Pandemic
We are asking our Pet Care Providers and clients to join us in following these simple preventative measures that can help keep us safe:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Have cleaning spray and/or wipes available around your home. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces often. This includes dog leashes!
- Wash your hands before touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- No handshaking! Elbow or fist bumps only.
- Use elbows and your bum to open doors. Knuckles to turn on lights, etc.
- Carry hand sanitizer (+60% alcohol) with you and use a small amount often to keep hands free of germs.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Drink lots of fluids.
- If you have concerns about your health or any symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.
Taking Action if Symptoms of Coronavirus Occur
If you are feeling sick, or if the virus has impacted your need for pet care, we encourage you to cancel any Fetch! services rather than risk spreading germs to others. Our Pet Care Providers are monitoring their health for any symptoms and will stop performing services as needed to keep them and the community they serve safe.
Everyone at Fetch! Pet Care is concerned about our families, friends and our clients. You and your pets are family to us. Working together we will all get through this challenging time.
How Do I Care for My Pet if I Have Coronavirus?
If you have tested positive for the disease, have another member of the household take care of walking, feeding and playing with your pet. If it is a service animal, or you have to take care of your pet yourself, wear a facemask. Don’t share food, kiss or hug them, and wash your hands before and after any contact with your pet or service animal.
These recommendations are just a precaution, though. The AVMA stressed that although they do recommend these things, there is still no evidence that pets can spread the coronavirus to other animals or people.
Click here to learn more about Coronavirus from the American Kennel Club
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