Following the latest guidance from the CSFG for ENGLAND dated 12/01/2021 it states the following (links to guidance for Wales, Scotland and N Ireland further down):
‘Groomers may accept a dog to be groomed by appointment where this is necessary for the animal’s welfare and not simply for aesthetic reasons. Welfare reasons could include on veterinary advice for a skin condition or excessive matting causing the pet discomfort. When routine grooming can be delayed without affecting the pet’s welfare until the national lockdown is eased it should be put off.
The necessity for an appointment is to ensure social distancing between clients. If dogs are brought to site owners should remain in their vehicles until staff are ready to accept their dog. The business handover protocol set out by CFSG should be followed and should take place in an outdoor space large enough for the client and staff to maintain their social distance.
Multiple dogs may be taken in at a time where a grooming salon has sufficient space to separate them and for groomers to maintain social distancing whilst working (2m should be adhered to). Admission and return of dogs must be by appointment only to ensure social distancing where the reception area is large enough to do so.
Groomers can collect dogs from client’s homes to undertake grooms for the animal’s welfare and not simply for aesthetic reasons. Welfare reasons could include on veterinary advice for a skin condition or excessive matting causing the pet discomfort as long as they can disinfect their vehicle between collections. Pets from infected or self-isolating households should be collected separately from other dogs in different journeys and after pets from other non-infected households. Groomers should assess whether the grooming can be delayed until the household is clear to reduce the risk to themselves and their staff. Social distancing should be maintained at all times and business handover protocol set out by CFSG should be followed with the owner retaining all equipment such as leads.
Mobile groomers and home groomers may continue to operate to undertake grooms for the animal’s welfare and not simply for aesthetic reasons. Welfare reasons could include on veterinary advice for a skin condition or excessive matting causing the pet discomfort providing that they can maintain social distancing. Mobile groomers should follow the business handover protocol set out by CFSG, with the owner retaining all equipment such as leads. The grooming facility must be thoroughly disinfected between pets. Home groomers should follow the Government guidance on those working in other people’s homes. They should not visit an infected or self-isolating household. All equipment must be disinfected between each home visit.’
It is vital that everyone contributes to staying safe, protecting others and helps to reduce the spread of Covid-19. Pet Groomers may still support their clients by giving professional advice to owners to maintain their pet’s welfare by grooming from home or providing professional grooming services with Covid-19 protocols for grooms that considered to be essential to the dog’s welfare.
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
Let’s support each other and stay professional!
Stay safe, stay at home and help stop the spread of Covid-19
