Can I pet sit during the Coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic?
Yes, you can continue to pet sit if your services are essential to the health and welfare of your client’s pet.
Pet sitting is a service that can really help those who are in need of assistance: such as the elderly, those who work in essential services (doctors, nurses or other working/busy pet parents), those with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, or people who have mental health concerns or disabilities.
The rules on essential services can vary from state to state, so be sure to read the details for your state and seek to understand your client’s needs at this time.
As always, be sure the booking is made through the Pawshake website so that your client’s pet has veterinary coverage and you are protected by the Pawshake guarantee.
How to stay safe while pet sitting through the COVID-19 pandemic
- Bring hand sanitiser, gloves and your own harness or leash if this is possible and safe for the dog.
- Don’t stick around during the pick up and drop off to have a chat: you can save this for a phone call or message later. Get in and out.
- Keep at least a 1.5 metre distance from your client, or arrange a contactless pickup by collecting their dog from their backyard or car.
- Don’t touch your face at all. Wear a mask if this helps to remind you.
- When returning home, be sure to dispose of your gloves, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water and leave your shoes at the door.
- Coronavirus can stay present for days on hard surfaces after contact, so avoid touching door handles or gates without gloves, and sanitise immediately after.
How to meet and greet during the COVID-19 pandemic
If you have yet to meet, arrange a virtual meet and greet via video call via your mobile, Zoom, Google Hangouts or Facetime.
Be sure to ask all of the important questions that you would in a meet and greet, but also about your mutual concerns about coronavirus (especially if the owner is unwell). The World Health Organisation has a great resource to go over symptoms and other concerns.
If your client is unwell or in isolation, modify your meet and greet by allowing the pet to get to know you in a safe space (such as the back of the pet owner’s property) before the owner confirms the booking.
Can I get coronavirus from a pet?
According to the World Health Organisation, there is no substantial evidence that it is possible to catch COVID-19 from a pet.
Although there has been an isolated case of a dog contracting COVID-19 in Hong Kong, this does not lead to the conclusion that the virus can be passed from domestic pets to human beings. Instead, precautions need to focus on the much greater risk of human-to-human transmission through coughing, sneezing or other close contact.
The safest option for you and the guest pet is to request that strangers don’t come up to pat the dog during the walk. This is best practice for social distancing, but also means the dog will be at the least risk. Avoid crowded areas to minimise risk.
This information is current as of the 7th of April 2020 and will be updated if further developments come up.
What if I don’t feel safe pet sitting?
It is absolutely fine if you don’t feel comfortable pet sitting at this time. If you feel at all unwell, even if you don’t suspect you have coronavirus, you should stay at home. Be sure to pop your profile calendar into Away Mode if this is the case.
