After three weeks into lockdown, pet welfare issues are becoming more prevalent. As promised, the team at BIGA have continued to press for answers from government to help safeguard the welfare of our pets. For those of you who participated in our online poll, you likewise expressed in the majority that this was of the highest priority.
We have consulted Chris Laurence, Chairman of The Canine and Feline Sector Group (CFSG) (the group that advises defra and is instrumental in the shaping of guidelines around national lockdown in England) who supports the following statement (links to guidance for the devolved nations available below):
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The updated government guidance from 11.Jan.2021 for pet grooming has not changed. It states that grooming should be put off at this time wherever possible to help stop non-essential journeys and stop the spread of covid.
The guidance sets out that in the current lockdown, 'business as usual' is not allowed, but that grooming for welfare reasons is.
However, the number of clients that will now be falling into the welfare categories are bound to be increasing because of time, weather and circumstances.
We must advise you to use your professional integrity and training to assess each pet's needs in conjunction with the owner. We suggest the completion and retaining of full documentation of all grooming undertaken (eg. a signed customer declaration and images).
Dogs which need grooming that cannot be put off may be groomed due to their coats requiring immediate attention to prevent a worsening coat condition; overgrown and uncomfortable nails; hygiene areas requiring attention; hair and debris build-up in front of eyes. No animal needs to have its welfare compromised by waiting until it is badly matted.
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To find the full details from the CSFG, please click on the link below:
https://www.cfsg.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/11th-January-2021-Pet-Business-Guidance-COVID-19.pdf
To find out guidance for the following nations, please click on the link below:
https://www.cfsg.org.uk/coronavirus/
Our commitment to you
BIGA are committed to providing information, advice and guidance to groomers. All directors are working hard to find out what options are available to support businesses financially. We will also be providing support for possible documentation that should be recorded for essential grooming. Any information will be posted on the BIGA website, Facebook page and emailed to members.
We hope these guidance measures will be temporary and we will endeavour to provide updates as and when we receive it.
If your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) you may be able to get:
- Money to help with living costs
- Help getting food and other essentials
- Support for your business
Please click on the link below to find out more:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-local-help
Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save Lives.
