How to Visit Pet Shops Safely & Responsibly During COVID

A great many customer-facing businesses deemed as non-essential have occasionally been asked to close during the coronavirus pandemic measures to slow virus spread in the UK. Fortunately, specialist pet shops are generally classified as essential retail outlets, providing vital supplies like food, medicines, bedding, and other pet care products, and thus remain operational with safety measures.

This comprehensive guide for 2025 updates you on how to visit pet shops safely and responsibly during ongoing coronavirus restrictions, protecting yourself, pet shop staff, and the animals in their care while ensuring your pet's needs are met.

Are pet shops still open in the UK during coronavirus restrictions?

Yes, pet shops continue to trade and often remain open even during heightened restrictions. Specialist pet shops have been exempt from some government mandated retail closures because they provide essential supplies that support animal welfare. However, individual independent stores might close temporarily or reduce opening hours due to staffing difficulties or local regulation changes, so always check in advance before visiting.

Order pet supplies online where possible

To minimise trips outside your home and reduce risk, it's best to order pet food, accessories, and medicines online whenever possible. Many national and local pet shops offer reliable home delivery or click-and-collect services that let you avoid physically entering the store. Planning ahead can also help avoid shortages and supply issues.

Plan to buy two weeks’ worth of supplies, but do not hoard

Purchasing a reasonable quantity of pet food and essentials for approximately two weeks is advisable to avoid frequent store visits. It is crucial not to overstock or hoard, which can cause supply chain problems and shortages affecting other pet owners.

Leave pets at home if you can

While most pet shops usually allow dogs and some animals inside, many have restricted this during coronavirus due to hygiene and distancing protocols. Although pets can’t catch or transmit COVID-19 directly, they can carry the virus on their fur, posing potential indirect risk. Bringing your pet should only be if unavoidable, such as for veterinary services located in pet shops.

Avoid contact with other pets and people

It can be tempting to pet other animals or greet staff and shoppers warmly, but maintaining a safe distance is essential. Avoid touching other people’s dogs or animals in the store to minimise cross-contamination risk.

Go alone and keep visits short

Visit the pet shop alone where possible to reduce potential exposure to the virus. Treat these trips as functional errands rather than social outings. Also, try to keep your time in the store minimal by preparing a shopping list ahead.

Practice social distancing and follow store instructions

Maintain at least six feet distance from other shoppers and staff inside and outside the shop. Follow any floor markings, signage, or staff instructions about queuing, entry limits, and movement within the shop.

Avoid peak shopping times

To reduce waiting times and crowded environments, avoid visiting immediately when the shop opens or during known busy periods such as early evenings or weekends. Shopping mid-morning or mid-afternoon daily can help spread visits more evenly.

Be prepared to queue outside

Many pet shops regulate the number of customers inside to maintain distancing, so queues outdoors may be necessary. Remember to keep space from others while waiting, and be patient as this helps everyone stay safe.

Use card or contactless payments

To reduce physical contact, use contactless or card payments wherever possible. Cash handling is often minimised by stores to protect staff and customers alike.

Handle goods carefully

Only touch products necessary for your purchase decision, as coronavirus can survive on surfaces for hours or days. Minimising contact helps reduce spread risk.

Wash or sanitise hands thoroughly

Clean your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser before entering the shop and immediately after leaving. Avoid touching your face until you have thoroughly washed your hands. Also, sanitise when you return home from any outing.

Common mistakes to avoid when visiting pet shops during restrictions

• Ignoring social distancing rules and overcrowding the shop.
• Not washing hands before and after contact with animals or goods.
• Visiting closed services like grooming salons inside pet shops.
• Ignoring shop instructions or entering despite showing COVID-19 symptoms.
• Visiting during peak times without planning, leading to unnecessary crowding.

Support responsible pet ownership and ethical purchasing

Visiting pet shops responsibly also includes considering the welfare of animals being sold or housed in such environments. Choose reputable providers who prioritise animal care and avoid impulse buying pets during stressful times. If considering a new pet, explore adoption or rescue options and research requirements carefully.

For more information on responsible pet purchasing, visit reputable breeders and puppies for sale or local rescue centres.

Summary and next steps

Pet shops remain open during coronavirus restrictions with safety measures to protect customers, staff, and pets. To visit safely, plan ahead with online ordering, limit visits, maintain social distancing, and practise good hand hygiene. Avoid bringing pets unless necessary and follow all store instructions. By staying informed and considerate, you help ensure pet care needs are met while minimising health risks in the community.