30/05/2025
To ensure the health and safety of all pets, clients, and staff at The Little PetHouse, we have updated our protocols to address the risks associated with Mpox. This includes new guidelines for our valued clients and specific commitments from us to maintain a safe environment.
Mpox is a viral illness that can spread between animals and people, and understanding how to mitigate its spread is a shared responsibility.
Keeping Your Pets Safe at The Little PetHouse: Our Shared Responsibility Regarding Mpox
At The Little PetHouse, your pet's health and safety, along with the well-being of our staff and community, are our top priorities. We've enhanced our protocols based on expert guidance to minimize any risk of Mpox. Here’s how you can help us maintain a safe environment:
1. Pre-Arrival Health Disclosure – Transparency is Key:
Before your pet's stay or grooming appointment, please inform us if:
> Your Pet:
Has shown any new or unexplained skin rashes, sores, or lesions recently.
Has experienced lethargy, decreased appetite, coughing, bloating, or nasal/eye secretions in the past 21 days.
> Your Household:
In the past 21 days, has any person in your household experienced a new or unexplained rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, or other flu-like symptoms?
Potential Exposure:
In the past 21 days, has your pet had close contact (like petting, cuddling, sharing sleeping areas or food) with any person or another animal diagnosed with or suspected of having Mpox?
Is anyone in your household currently isolating due to suspected or confirmed Mpox?
Your honest answers to these questions are crucial for protecting all pets in our care and help us take appropriate preventative measures.
2. Recognizing Mpox Symptoms:
Be aware of the signs of Mpox in both pets and humans:
> In Pets: Look out for rashes (which may look like pimples or blisters), lethargy, reduced appetite, coughing, bloating, nasal or eye discharge/crusting, or fever.
> In Humans: Common signs include a painful rash (that progresses from flat spots to blisters, then scabs), often accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
3. If You Suspect Mpox (In Your Pet or Household):
Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately: If your pet shows symptoms (especially a rash) AND has had close contact with a person or animal with probable or confirmed Mpox in the last 21 days, or if your pet seems unwell within 21 days of such contact, call your vet for guidance before coming to our facility or their clinic.
Your veterinarian will advise on the safest way to seek care and ensure your pet is not brought into general waiting areas if there's a risk of Mpox.
> Inform Us: Please notify The Little PetHouse as soon as possible if Mpox is suspected or confirmed in your pet or household, especially if your pet has recently visited us or has an upcoming appointment. This allows us to take appropriate measures to protect other pets and our staff.
4. Importance of General Health & Vaccinations:
While there isn't a specific Mpox vaccine for pets, keeping your pet up-to-date on their routine vaccinations (e.g., Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus for dogs; Rabies, FVRCP for cats) and parasite control helps maintain their overall health and resilience.
Our Commitment to Safety at The Little PetHouse: Adjustments We Are Making
We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of biosecurity to protect your pets. Here’s what we’re doing:
1. Enhanced Intake & Assessment Protocols:
We will be asking the detailed health questions outlined above to all clients prior to admission for any service. This screening is vital for identifying potential risks early.
All pets will undergo a visual health check by trained staff members upon arrival. Pets showing any signs of illness, including those consistent with Mpox, will not be permitted entry into the facility to protect other pets and staff.
2. Strict Hygiene & Disinfection Protocols:
> Cleaning First, Then Disinfecting: We adhere to a two-step process, meticulously cleaning surfaces with soap and water to remove dirt, debris, and organic matter before applying disinfectants, as this is crucial for disinfectant efficacy.
> Effective Disinfectants: We use disinfectants that have an "emerging viral pathogen" claim and are known to be effective against Mpox (found on EPA List Q). We strictly follow the manufacturer's recommended contact times for all disinfectants to ensure viruses are inactivated.
> Frequent Disinfection: High-touch surfaces (e.g., door handles, countertops, payment terminals), pet enclosures, grooming tables, and tools are disinfected regularly throughout the day and thoroughly sanitized between each pet’s use.
> Laundry Procedures: All bedding, towels, and other launderable items are washed using detergent. Items are then dried on the highest heat setting. Soiled laundry is handled with care, avoiding shaking, to prevent the dispersal of infectious particles.
> Grooming Tools: All grooming tools (brushes, combs, clippers, etc.) are thoroughly cleaned to remove hair and debris and then disinfected after every groom using appropriate solutions like 70% Isopropyl Alcohol or clipper-specific disinfectants.
3. Isolation Procedures for Ill or Exposed Pets:
Any pet exhibiting signs of illness while in our care will be immediately moved to a designated isolation area. This area is physically separated from other animals and has its own dedicated cleaning supplies and staff protocols to prevent any cross-contamination.
Pets with suspected or confirmed Mpox exposure within the preceding 21 days will not be permitted to enter general facility areas or common rooms.
4. Staff Training & Health Policies:
Our entire team receives comprehensive training on Mpox recognition in both pets and humans, detailed biosecurity measures, proper animal handling techniques, and the correct use and disposal of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, and eye protection when required.
Rigorous hand hygiene, including washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol), is mandatory for all staff members before and after handling animals, after cleaning tasks, and after removing PPE.
To protect everyone, staff members who are unwell, especially with symptoms that could be related to Mpox (like a new rash or fever), are required to stay home and seek medical advice before returning to work. We have implemented flexible and non-punitive sick leave policies to support our staff in this.
5. Safe Waste Management:
All waste, particularly from any isolation areas or potentially contaminated materials, is handled as potentially infectious. It is collected in dedicated, lined trash cans and sealed in puncture-resistant plastic bags. Disposal adheres to local health department guidelines, ensuring waste is not disposed of outdoors or in landfills without prior disinfection to prevent any risk to wildlife.
6. Collaboration & Staying Informed:
We maintain close working relationships with veterinary professionals to ensure our health and vaccination protocols are current and effective.
In line with public health requirements, we will report any suspected animal cases of Mpox to the relevant local and national animal health authorities, such as the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) in the Philippines.
The Little PetHouse is committed to ongoing vigilance. We continuously monitor updates and advisories from public health organizations (like the Department of Health, CDC, WHO, and WOAH) and will adapt our protocols as necessary to respond to any new information or evolving guidance regarding Mpox.
Thank you for partnering with us at The Little PetHouse to maintain a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment for all pets and people. Your cooperation and understanding are invaluable in these efforts.
