22/03/2020
STOP PRESS: ANIMAL SERVICES DURING CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN.
A number of states have now announced a lockdown of all “non essential” services to try to slow spread of the virus. It has NOT been stated by any state Premier whether veterinary and animal services are considered “essential services”. In NSW, Hairdressers and Beauticians will remain open. Other states are providing even less information. PETS AUSTRALIA IS CURRENTLY LOBBYING ALL STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS TO HAVE ALL PET BUSINESSES SPECIFICALLY INCLUDED AS ESSENTIAL SERVICES.
It is likely that even more lockdowns will be instituted beyond those on the 22nd March, so animal businesses must PLAN NOW.
Animal businesses and animal owners have responsibilities under the Prevention of Cruelty To Animals Acts.
Veterinary hospitals have been defined as essential right across the USA and Europe, and should be considered essential services in Australia until further advised.
Grooming Salons can be considered to be in the same category as hairdressers and therefore essential services until further advised. Clients should be advised that further shutdown is likely and grooming services should consider the possibility that further lockdowns may mean that pets cannot be professionally styled for up to 6 months. Premises should be regularly disinfected and good hand hygiene and social distancing MUST be followed.
Boarding Kennels are less to be currently considered as essential services, and animals should be sent home wherever possible. Exemptions may be worth considering for clients who are hospitalised with COVID19, or for clients who find themselves unable to care for their pets for immediate financial reasons. Premises should be regularly disinfected and good hand hygiene and social distancing MUST be followed.
Pet Sitting/Pet Walking businesses are currently unlikely to be considered essential services and many mix animals in situations that cannot be easily disinfected. Closure should be considered except in emergency situations.
Pet Retail does not currently appear to be considered an essential service, but we are seeking urgent clarification on this issue. Premises should be regularly disinfected and good hand hygiene and social distancing MUST be followed.
Pet Breeding businesses are currently not likely to be considered an essential service and commercial facilities should immediately move online (for those with puppies due to leave the premises). Any puppy/kitten deliveries to homes may be high risk. Good hand hygiene and social distancing MUST be followed. Any delivery vehicles should be disinfected.
We will provide more information as it comes to hand. A number of government assistance packages are available for any sole trader who loses more than 20% of income, or any casual employee who loses more than 20% of hours as a result of COVID19. More information will be provided as it comes to hand.
