Coronavirus (COVID-19):
advice for people in England with animals:
Some of the government
advice relating to animals, for dog carers looking after the welfare of their
pets during the coronavirus pandemic was updated by government in January
2021 and is as follows, full info is available on the government website - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-people-with-animals
Animals with coronavirus:
It is rare for an animal to contract coronavirus, and they
may show only mild clinical signs and recover within a few days. Limited
evidence available at present suggests that coronavirus:
may pass from infected humans to certain pets such as dogs,
cats and ferrets following close contact
does not easily pass between cats or most other pets, but
this cannot be ruled out
may pass between ferrets and humans based on the evidence
from mink
Pets - In line with public health guidance, you should:
wash your hands before and after any contact with your pet,
its food and bedding
not share food with your pet
avoid contact such as kissing or cuddling if you’re
self-isolating
There is no evidence that you need to wash your pets to control
the spread of coronavirus. Only wash or use products on your pets that are
approved for use on animals.
Animal boarding services:
You may leave your home to access animal boarding services.
You should take your pet to, or collect your pet from, a
boarding establishment by appointment only. Ask your animal boarding service if
they provide a collection or drop-off service.
Grooming:
You may leave your home to take your pet to be groomed. You
should do this only if necessary for your animal’s welfare and not simply for
aesthetic purposes.
You should contact the groomer in advance to make an
appointment. Ask the groomer if they operate a mobile service or provide a
collection and drop-off service.
Buying or adopting a pet:
You must follow social distancing rules when buying or
adopting a pet.
You should not visit a breeder or rescue centre in person to
view an animal before buying or adopting it. This is not a reasonable excuse to
leave your home.
You should ask for a virtual tour instead. Take extra care
to make sure that the seller is legitimate by following government guidance on
how to get pets responsibly.
Breeders and rescue centres should make arrangements to
deliver your pet to you when it is ready to be rehomed. Where this is not
possible, and it is reasonably necessary for the pet’s welfare, you may collect
the animal. You should collect your pet by appointment only.
You must collect the pet without entering the premises where
this is a private home.
If your animal needs vet treatment:
You can leave home for animal welfare reasons, such as to
attend veterinary services for advice or treatment. If your animal needs vet
treatment, phone first to arrange the best way to meet their needs.
You may also leave your home to access urgent veterinary
services when you’re self-isolating. You should only do this if it is not
possible for another person to take the animal to the vet.
Dog walking:
You may leave your house to walk your dog:
by yourself
with the people you live with
with your support bubble (if you’re legally permitted to
form one)
or, when on your own in a public outdoor space, with one
person from another household
This is covered by the exemptions for animal welfare and
exercise.
Although the government generally advises you should
exercise once a day, you can go out more often if you need to walk your dog but
should limit this where possible.
You should stay 2 metres apart from anyone outside of your
household or support bubble.
When walking your dog in areas used by other people, you
should consider putting your dog on a lead to ensure you can stay 2 metres away
from others.
You should wash your hands before and after handling your
dog.
If you’re walking dogs on behalf of someone not able to:
You may walk a dog for someone who is unable to leave their
house because they are self-isolating.
You should wash your hands before and after handling the dog
and keep 2 metres away from other people and animals, including when handing
over the dog to the owner.
If you’re self-isolating:
If your dog cannot be exercised at home, you should ask
someone outside of your household or support bubble to walk your dog for you,
or access walking services provided by a professional.
You should notify anyone walking your dog on your behalf in
advance that you’re self-isolating and arrange a no-contact service where
possible.
