Visiting pet shops safely and responsibly during coronavirus restrictions

A great many customer-facing businesses deemed as non-essential have been asked to close during the coronavirus stay at home measures that the government has put in place to slow the spread of the condition throughout the population.

There is understandably a great deal of confusion and debate regarding what constitutes non-essential; but fortunately for pet owners, one of the types of business that have been permitted to keep trading during this time are pet shops.

Pet shops are the go-to choice for many people seeking food and accessories for dogs, cats and other animals, and often operate other animal-related services in larger stores too, such as grooming salons and veterinary clinics.

Whilst dog grooming parlours are now closed due to coronavirus restrictions as these are not essential services, pet shops themselves continue to trade; but how we shop in them is rather different to the norm due to the coronavirus social distancing measures in place to keep everyone safe.

This article will tell you how to visit pet shops safely and responsibly during the coronavirus stay at home restrictions, plus tell you a few things to expect when you get there. Read on to find out about coronavirus restrictions and pet shops.

Are pet shops still open during coronavirus restrictions?

Yes, pet shops are still permitted to trade during coronavirus restrictions, but naturally some independent shops may be closed as a personal decision on the part of their owners, and as coronavirus continues to spread and affect more people, other shops may struggle to stay open or have to offer a limited service.

Also, be aware of potentially changed opening times for stores, particularly those on retail parks that are often open longer than normal business hours; check before you head out to make sure they will be open when you plan to visit.

Order supplies online where possible

As is the case with all trips out in public, only visit a pet shop if this is totally necessary. If you know what goods you need and can order them online for home delivery, do this instead and avoid a trip outside of the home.

Many local pet shops offer a local home delivery service, as do all of the large national retailers.

Get enough supplies for two weeks at a time, but don’t stockpile

How much pet food should you get during the coronavirus restrictions? This is a tricky one. It is important to buy enough to avoid unnecessary additional or regular trips back to top up supplies, but also, important not to buy more than you need and contribute to potential shortages and supply chain issues.

A good rule of thumb is to keep two weeks’ worth of pet food and consumables in hand, but not much more.

Leave your dog at home unless this cannot be avoided

Most pet shops usually let dogs in, but many have stopped this during the restrictions. Even if the store you wish to visit is still letting dogs in (which may particularly be the case for those that have an on-site veterinary clinic) leave your dog at home unless this can’t be avoided.

Dogs can’t catch and pass on Covid 19 coronavirus, but they can potentially carry it on their fur; plus, having your pet with you increases the chances of contact with other people, which should be avoided.

Don’t pet other people’s dogs

On a related note, it can be really hard not to pet other dogs you see out and about, but if there are dogs in the pet shop, avoid contact with them too.

Go alone

Going to the pet shop during coronavirus social distancing restrictions might be the most exciting thing that you do all week, but don’t turn it into a family day out and risk unnecessary exposure. Go alone unless this can be avoided, and don’t spend longer than necessary in the store.

Practice social distancing and follow instructions

Stay six feet away from other shoppers and staff unless this is completely unavoidable; even if you have to wait or make a change of route to accommodate for someone else who is not practicing social distancing as vigilantly.

Also, heed and follow signs and instructions from shop staff, such as the distance to keep when queuing or keeping marked lines between you and other shoppers.

Try to avoid peak times

These days, the first hour or so when shops open (or if they’re instigating a special hour restricted to vulnerable people and key workers, the first hour after that) are often the busiest, and so try to avoid contributing to this and go later on in the day.

Be prepared to have to wait outside

Some pet shops might restrict the number of shoppers that are permitted into the store at any given time, to ensure that everyone can remain a safe distance apart. Be prepared to wait for this reason, and remember to keep your distance from others when you do.

Pay using a card or contactless payment

Many pet shops will only accept card or contactless payments at this time, to avoid the need for staff to handle cash, or to have hand-to-hand contact with other people. Even if the pet shop you visit is accepting cash payments, try to pay by card or contactless methods where possible.

Don’t handle good unnecessarily

Try not to pick up goods unnecessarily or any more than you have to to make a purchasing decision; remember that coronavirus can be transmitted in this way and can live on some surfaces for hours or even potentially days, according to recent research.

Hand wash and sanitise

Finally, wash or sanitize your hands before you enter the store, and do not touch your face. Do the same when you leave, and immediately when you get back home too.