Quite frequently I receive enquiries for puppy or doggy day care and more seasonally, for home boarding in my own home.Unfortunately for many different reasons, I do not provide these services, but the main and possibly the most important reason from your, the client’s, perspective that I don’t offer these services is because I am not licenced to provide them.
Dog day care and home boarding are currently regulated under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 and Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, and come under the guidance of our local authority.
The Dog Wardens at the Environmental Health Department, Aberdeenshire Council are the licence issuers for this area, and they hold a list of approved dog day care and home boarding facilities.
The licencing application process is detailed and includes veterinary inspections as well as requirements for procedures including, but not limited to: the animal has suitable accommodation and bedding; dietary needs are met; adequate and appropriate exercise plan is in place; measures are in place to control infectious disease including isolation areas; administrative requirements such as detailed record keeping; appropriate business insurance cover.
The licence holder must also display their valid licence in a prominent area at their premises. The above mentioned regulation also applies to the more traditional kennel and cattery establishments. So please, always check with your service provider that they are licenced for the services they offer and if in any doubt, check with the Dog Wardens at Aberdeenshire Council.
AW Pet Care & Dog Walking closed down for business on the evening of the 23rd March 2020, for what initially was assumed to be around 3 weeks – 8+ weeks on and assuming no government changes, I will be operating a phased return to work in line with the Scottish Government Covid 19 lockdown route map, with Phase 1 return to work to commence Monday 8th June 2020.
Priority will be given to key workers, workers who are unable to work from home, elderly, vulnerable and shielded owners.
For all our safety, I have undertaken an online, short Clinical Safety course which studied the nature of the virus and hygiene measures for infection control. It was geared for businesses such as pet grooming salons, but the basic protocol can be applied to my work and the protection of your homes.
Please see the Certificate below for your information:
Following completion of my risk assessments, I will strictly follow current Government / NHS Guidance and Canine Feline Sector Group advice including:
Social distancing guidance of minimum 2m.
Following strict personal hygiene protocol as per Government / NHS guidance before and after collecting dogs entering / leaving client’s premises; washing hands with hot water and soap where and as often possible; follow washing with hand sanitiser; use plenty of moisturiser.
Use new PPE for each dog / household I enter and then throw away after each visit – in or out (including shoe covers, disposable gloves).
Minimal handling of your pet.
Minimal touching within your home, if I have to enter.
Careful use of disinfectant wipes on client’s door handles and locks upon leaving.
Clean and disinfect my own equipment daily, including van, collars, harnesses, leads, keys.
Remove and dispose of my waste at my home.
Use my own clean leads and where possible, clean collars for each dog, all being washed daily.
Walk dogs on lead only – reducing risk of potential injury and unnecessary vet treatment; or lose a dog (creating search parties may not be an option); or getting too close to third parties.
Walk dogs from the client’s home to minimise risk of contamination to / from vehicle or offer alternative services e.g. home comfort visits / enrichment / brain games / short etc.; and reducing risk of accident / breakdown. Service provided will be subject to daily risk assessment based upon, but not limited to, local environmental factors.
Only walk dogs from the same household at any one time.
Respond to Government updates as appropriate.
Continuously review local and national authority advice and guidance.
Continuously review both business and vehicle insurances to ensure no Force Majeure clauses that may leave us uncovered.
Advise that the nature of my work involves visiting different households around your visit and therefore potentially subject to other client’s categories.
As usual dog poop will be picked up and if unable to dispose of in public poo bins, will dispose at my home.
Clean / disinfect vehicle / crates / equipment in between dogs if dogs must be transported.
Set up a mutually compatible system for collecting / returning the dog for clients who may be isolating, shielding or working from home.
Should I show symptoms I will advise clients immediately and self-isolate.
AW Pet Care & Dog Walking is asking clients to:
Wash collars / harnesses and other relevant equipment as frequently as possible in order to minimise contamination.
Follow social distancing guidance.
Advise any change to your working circumstances.
Advise AWPC immediately if you show signs / symptoms of Covid 19.
I plan to review things regularly and will look to open up to helping home workers and reintroduce group walks in time and subject to the First Minister’s changes to the easing of the lockdown route map.
