In accordance with the following advice https://www.rspca.org.uk/coronavirus/dogwalking and in adhering to current Government guidelines, Kaye9walks will be operating its dog walking services in future slightly differently to ensure maximum safety and piece of mind for you and your family.
To ensure minimal risk of possible cross contamination between households they are as follows:
1) Group walks will no longer take place mixing dogs from different households. (Dogs from the same household can still be walked together)
2) Dogs will be walked for the owners preferred length of time (30 min/ 1 Hour) from the owner`s location, dogs will not be transported to another location by vehicle.
3) The new handover procedure of dogs to ensure maximum social distancing at all times will remain the same where possible. This will include households which are generally working and are unable to exercise their dog for various reasons, to households which are self-isolating due to being within a vulnerable group or due to displaying symptoms or confirmed positive (Ensuring every possible option to remove the dog from the house for alternative care elsewhere whilst the owner is incapacitated has been perused).
Each handover Procedure can be discussed and confirmed with each individual owner to suit their particular situation. They are as follows:
1) Kaye9walks will provide a lead to walk your dog, this will be a slip lead and will ensure the minimal contact between owner-dog-walker, the lead will be disinfected after each walk. Owners are asked to please ensure their dog has a serviceable collar and identity tag already fitted prior to the walker`s arrival. (If a slip lead cannot be used due to veterinary advice this can be discussed with the owner and an alternative lead sourced)
2) To avoid doorstep handovers, Kaye9walks will contact the owner on arrival (Only if the owner or any individuals of the household are likely to home) to confirm the individual owners handover. Examples in this case maybe include letting the dog out into a secure garden or letting the dog out into a secure porch or hallway, this will limit unnecessary access and face to face human contact, thus minimising the chance of the walker inadvertently contaminating the owner`s home and social distancing rules.
3) Kaye9walks in the event of the owner not being home will at the minimum have washed/sanitised hands before arrival, will wear protective gloves and when available a face mask.
Although to date there is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted from pets to people, the walker will ensure there is no unnecessary contact with your pet, it is also requested especially if any member of the household is displaying symptoms or test positive that they also refrain from overly touching the dog as there is a chance the virus will remain on the dogs coat or collar for a period of time.
These new procedures will be reviewed as and when it is safe to do so.