COVID-19 UPDATES

PROTECTING YOU, YOUR PETS, OUR STAFF AND THE COMMUNITY

It feels great to be back after a temporary closure from April 10th to May 18th, and we are so excited to be accepting new clients and welcoming back existing clients.

Thank you for your continued support during these trying times. We look forward to working with you and the pets of Edson & area!

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COVID-19 Safety Precautions

To keep you and our team safe, we have implemented a new COVID-19 safety protocol outlined by Alberta Health Services. Our goal is to practice physical distancing and eliminate human-to-human contact as much as possible to help flatten the curve.

Wash

The best method to combat the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases is by washing our hands; this is why our employees will be washing their hands for at least 20 seconds after entering a home, before leaving home and as often as needed throughout the visit.

Cover

Employees will always wear a face mask while in a client’s home. Masks are not required outside if we can ensure physical distancing of at least 6 feet.

Note: Masks can be scary to our pets, so we ask that our clients get their pets used to seeing people in masks. If a pet is uncomfortable with the mask, then it may be removed and reapplied once the pet has calmed.

Sanitize

Hand sanitizer is used any time soap and water are unavailable. Surfaces will be disinfected after they have been touched. Employees will try to avoid touching their face, mouth or eyes.

Distance

Employees must practice physical distancing and keep a minimum of 6 feet between the clients, each other, and others in the area.

Equipment

Leashes used will be biothane and provided by Poop’d Out for easy sanitizing between walks. When possible, we ask that collars and harnesses be on your dog before their walk for minimal contact of equipment and that these items are washed regularly.

No-Contact

When clients are at home during a visit, we ask that they wait in a separate room while we get the dog ready for his walk or complete the visit, and when we drop them off. An alternative option is to have the dog waiting in the fenced yard ready to go.

Virtual

New client meet and greets are held virtually by Zoom. During the virtual meeting, we will spend the time getting to know each other, talking about your pet(s), routines and behaviours, address questions and concerns, and determine if we’re a good fit.

If a dog is highly reactive or fearful of people, or if pets have a difficult medication routine, then the virtual meet and greet can be followed by a 10-15min physically distanced meeting.

Health

Before the beginning of each workday, employees are visiting the Alberta Health Services website to complete the self-assessment test and are taking their temperatures to ensure they are symptom free.

Sickness

Employees feeling or showing symptoms of illness will be removed from the workplace and will not return until four days after symptoms have passed and medically cleared.

Clients feeling or showing symptoms of illness will need to cancel all visits and can reschedule four days after symptoms have passed.

If an employee tests positive or is exposed to COVID-19, a Poop’d Out manager will inform those who may have had possible exposure while maintaining confidentiality.

Questions

If you have any questions or concerns about our COVID-19 safety precautions or request to have additional procedures, you can now add any notes in the new designated COVID-19 space located in each client’s Portal.

COVID-19 Information

With Coronavirus in the news, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the facts. We’ve put together some commonly asked questions and along with resources to help keep you in the know. We want you, your pets, and everyone in our community to stay safe and healthy.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus that, according to the CDC, “was first discovered in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China” and attacks the respiratory system. The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person to person. Currently, there are still many unknowns.

Can my pet get Coronavirus?

As a pet parent, I feel your concern! Dogs and cats are known for contracting certain types of coronaviruses. These are best known as canine respiratory and feline coronavirus. Based on what we know about other coronaviruses, there is no evidence that domestic dogs or cats can be a source of COVID-19 infection to humans or other animals.

The World Health Organization has reported that a small number of pets belonging to people infected with COVID-19 have tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, as did a tiger from New York. There is also some evidence that ferrets can become infected with the virus that causes human COVID-19, but no evidence that they can spread it to people. As a precaution, they recommend keeping ferrets and exotic pets away from people infected with COVID-19. Evidence remains limited to support the risk of our pets getting the virus.

If you notice any changes in your pet’s health or behaviour, consult your local vet.

What can we do to prevent Coronavirus?

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to limit the spread is to avoid exposure – however, there’s only so much of being indoors and isolating that a person can handle. Plus, our pets love the outdoors!

As we go about our daily routines, keep these simple steps in mind:

STAY home as much as you can

KEEP a safe distance

WASH hands often

COVER your cough

SICK? Call ahead

While these steps may be ones you are already practicing every day, it’s always good to have a reminder and encourage others to do the same.