Is it safe to take your pet to groomers as states reopen? Here’s what experts say
Your furry companion may have gotten a little shaggy during quarantine, but as states reopen from coronavirus shutdowns, some may be wondering how safe it is to take pets to groomers.
Here’s what experts have to say.
Dr. Mallika Marshall of Massachusetts General Hospital’s Chelsea Urgent Care Clinic tells CBS Boston that it’s best to maintain social distancing.
“It’s unlikely a pet will transmit the virus to a human,” she told the outlet. “The biggest risk is the person-to-person interaction. So many groomers are telling owners to stay in the car with a mask on while the groomers come out to get the dogs with their own leashes. And as always, when you get home with your dog, wash your hands.”
Dr. Hohenhaus told The New York Times that “you can let them be a bit shaggy and stretch that to 12 weeks, if you keep them brushed to avoid big mats. Fur between your dog’s toes should not keep you up at night.”
Hohenhaus said if pet owners want to try grooming their dogs at home, only use tools designated for pets. She recommends using clippers and not trimmers.
“If you have pet clippers, it’s OK to go for it, but don’t put scissors anywhere near your dog,” Hohenhaus told The New York Times. “You don’t want to have to come to the vet emergency room right now.”
The CDC said the risk of animals spreading the coronavirus to humans is “low” and “it appears that in some rare situations, people can spread the virus to animals.”
If your pet tests positive for COVID-19, the CDC says to avoid taking it to groomers, schools, parks, pet daycares, pet stores, and other facilities until the animal is “cleared to resume normal activities.”
Pet supply stores have said that grooming services should be considered “essential” during the pandemic, media outlets reported.
Petco’s stores “have been universally recognized as essential and we have remained open to serve pets and their families during this unimaginable challenge,” a Petco spokesperson told CBS News.
PetSmart reopened grooming salons in select locations on April 6 with some social distancing restrictions.
Salons are by appointment online and PetSmart is offering curbside check-in and pick-up. Pets will be handled with slip leads and salons won’t touch anything belonging to pets. Social distancing is also being maintained by putting tape on floors and the number of groomers in the salons have been limited.
This story was originally published May 29, 2020 at 11:08 AM with the headline "Is it safe to take your pet to groomers as states reopen? Here’s what experts say."