Covid Protocols | Zen Paws

We are fully vaccinated & boosted thrice. Protocols updated as needed, with CDC recommendations and current data as our guide.

Face to Face Communication During times of Concern (numbers are high, you or a family member is ill or has been exposed): indoor face to face communication with clients will be with masks when needed or if requested, and contact can continue to be outdoors if requested or needed. Communication is often predominantly via text, email, and telephone regardless. Picking up and dropping off dogs for walks can be done outdoors from a fenced yard, a porch, garage, or vestibule. For clients who are at home, I will text you 5-10 minutes prior to pickup so you can ready your dog. If it is not possible to collect a dog outdoors / porch..., and you are at home, please physically distance 6 or more feet, and wear a mask when I arrive if you are not vaccinated, have had contact with someone who may have been exposed, or have any symptoms. I will do the same. Please contact me if your situation changes - ie you are home although thought you’d be out, have symptoms, have been exposed, etc. so that I can plan accordingly for the safest methods. Handwritten notes for clients regarding walk / visit will not be done in notebooks/ pads, rather they will be done via text or email.

Pet supplies: To minimize time within a client’s home and contact with things in the home, please place all supplies together ie harness, cleaners, towel, paper towels, food, water, in the same location - near point of entry for harness, towel..., or together on a counter / table for water / food. During of times of concern (increase in numbers, new variant), I will be use my own leashes and disinfect them regularly. If your dog wears a harness or other gear ie booties..., please put them in easy to pick up location. Thank you!

Feeding: During times of Concern if I will be feeding your pet dry food, please put a baggie or container of the pre-measured portion on the kitchen counter. For canned or fresh food, please either have a measured portion in a container in the fridge for fresh, or leave on counter or in a designated drawer / shelf, with spoon (and can opener if needed) on counter.

Photos: I love photographing your pets and am happy to report that I have resumed doing so : )

Physical contact with pets will allow for plenty of affection, but will discourage licking of faces & we will employ ample hand washing.

Physical distance during walks: When walking dogs, physical distance will be maintained between all pedestrians and dogs. Uncrowded streets will be chosen whenever possible. Walks will generally be in client’s neighborhood. During times of concern, dogs will not be taken in car to other areas at this time and play dates might be suspended. Dogs will not be allowed to interact / sniff other dogs unless they are from the same household, in an owner designated safe bubble / play group, or in a designated playtime or boarding with us. For all dogs and especially for dogs who attend day care at indoor facilities with multiple dogs, be alert for any signs of doggie flu etc and notify me immediately if your dog has any symptoms - respiratory, cough, digestive, etc so that we minimize contact with other dogs.

Hygiene: During times of uptick in covid or flu cases, or doggie illnesses, hand sanitizer will be used just prior to and after each walk / visit, masks may be worn, minimal touching of surfaces employed, frequent hand washing and no sharing of toys and water bowls.

Symptoms / Exposure: If you or anyone you have been in contact with begins displaying ANY symptoms, has reason to think may have been exposed, tests positive, or is asymptomatic and tests positive for Covid19, flu, or your dog has been exposed to a contagious dog illness or is ill, call ASAP to cancel / reschedule visit/ walk. We will do the same.

Boarding / Staycations: Boarding is presently up and running, but might be suspended if needed. We are presently taking new applicants 18 months or older, who are quiet indoors, walk loose leash, are comfortable and appropriate with other dogs, and sleep on a dog bed / floor / carpet, or crate. Within 48 hours prior to boarding, please bathe your dog and your dog’s bed / blanket.

Thank you very much for taking time to read the Zen Paws protocols.

Wishing you well,

Robin

Zen Paws