At Doghouse Daycare and Grooming, we consider our furry friends part of the family here and at your home. However, our immediate future paints a challenging and concerning time for all of us. Therefore we are taking every precaution in regards to this virus and learning from reliable sources and updates.We want to reassure you that at the Doghouse, we are aware, proactive and committed to the health of our amazing staff and our customers.
We have implemented and are currently practising a series of safety measures as prescribed by the Australian Government Department of Health. They are:
- Regular washing of hands
- The use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers
- Constant cleansing and disinfecting of surfaces, eftpos machines, computers etc
- Practicing social distancing- 1.5 metres apart
- Staying home if unwell
In addition to these government based recommendations Doghouse staff will also:
- Monitor their body temperatures. If above 37.5, staff will stay at home
- On entering the Doghouse employees must sanitise hands and regularly throughout their shift Maintain fresh air throughout the building during the day
To continue good practise, we recommend the following for our customers:
- If you are unwell, please arrange for your dog to be picked up by a friend or family member.
- If you have travelled from overseas in the last 14 days OR been in contact with someone who has, please arrange for your dog to be picked up by a friend or family member.
- On arrival and departure we encourage the use of hand sanitiser provided
- Not attending the Doghouse if you have been in direct contact with a confirmed case of Coronavirus in the last 14 days
- Not attending the Doghouse if you are living with someone in self isolation
- Purchasing daycare packages on line if possible (via the online portal) to minimise cash handling and eftpos transactions
Animal to Human / Human to Animal transmission Currently, it is unclear if and how COVID-19 can be transferred between humans and animals. At this point in time, we are aware of a single case in Hong Kong where a dog tested positive for COVID-19, though it was asymptomatic. This dog’s owner also tested positive for the virus.
As per Australian Veterinary Association guidelines, we recommend the following for our customers:
- Hand hygiene is critical before and after handling your pets, as well as their food.
- Pet owners who may be infected with the virus or who are voluntarily isolating because of risk of infection, are advised to keep their pets with them, but minimise handling as a precautionary measure until more information is known about the virus and routes of transmission
We are staying abreast of such cases and will update clients should the Australian Veterinarian Association guidelines change. The immediate future is challenging and concerning for us all. However we believe as a community we can work together, act sensibly and stay strong. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call or email us.
08 8293 6791
dogsplay@doghousedaycare.com.au
References:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202003/12/P2020031200670.htm
https://www.who.int/gpsc/tools/GPSC-HandRub-Wash.pdf
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/what-you-need-to-know-about-coronavirus-covid-19#who-is-most-at-risk
https://www.oie.int/wahis_2/public/wahid.php/Reviewreport/Review?page_refer=MapFullEventReport&reportid=33546
https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background – Background vector created by starline
World Health Organisation – Coronavirus image