DOG WALKERS
Dog walkers can continue to operate and priority should be given for key workers, and shielded and vulnerable people who are unable to make alternative safe arrangements for their dog. Dogs from coronavirus infected households may be walked but if doing so they must be walked after dogs from all other households.
The handover protocol set out by CFSG should be followed with the owner retaining all equipment such as leads. Handover should take place in a room or space large enough for the client and staff to maintain their social distance. Only dogs from the same household should be walked together and social distancing should be maintained for both the walker and the dogs by keeping the dogs on a lead at all times. Dogs should not be transported away from the house but walked locally unless it is impossible to do so safely. Any equipment, including the vehicle if used to transport the dog, must be cleaned and disinfected between dogs.
Gloves should be worn and disposed of after each household and before returning to a vehicle. There should be minimal contact between the walker and the dog. Walkers should not touch personal items such as phones whilst walking a dog
CSFG Handover Protocol
Pets provide invaluable companionship, especially at this time. For many dogs, going out for a walk is an important part of their daily routine. The measures put in place to control Coronavirus means that lots of owners who are shielded, vulnerable, over 70s or unwell will not be able to walk their dogs and also as some people go back to work they may need to rely on others to help them. If you have offered to walk someone else’s dog here is some guidance to help you do it safely.
When walking someone else’s dog:
- Consider each individual situation and how to safeguard the l person you are assisting.
- Agree the process in advance including time and duration of walk.
- Start and finish your walk from the owner’s home and stay local.
- Don’t handle anything else, such as your phone, during any time of contact. Where possible, minimise touching the dog. Maintain your social distance while walking, keep to quiet areas.
- Find a way to collect and return the dog securely, in a way which maintains a two-metre distance between you and minimises any time spent in the owner’s home.
- If walking dogs from an infected or vulnerable household, do not mix them with dogs from other households and walk them after all other dogs.
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds using soap and water before leaving your home.
- Use a different lead to the owner’s.
- Ask someone from the household to open and close the doors for you.
- Wash the lead with soap and water once the dog has been returned.
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds using soap and water as soon as you get home.
Important Fact
There are no confirmed instances of transmission of Coronavirus (COVID-19) from pets to people. However, the virus could be passed from person to person via a surface such as a dog’s fur, collar and lead.
When walking a shielded person’s dog, it is especially important to protect their already compromised health:
- Avoid any contact with the occupants of the home – maintain at least two metres distance.
- Keep the dog on a lead to avoid them coming into contact with anyone or other pets.
- Wipe the dog with a disposable pet-safe wipe or clean, damp cloth before returning to reduce the risk of
transmitting the virus to the owner. - Avoid driving to a location to walk and instead use the local area.
When walking a dog from a household where people have or are suspected of having Coronavirus, it’s especially important to protect yourself and others:
- Avoid any contact with the occupants of the home – maintain at least two metres distance.
- Wipe the dog with a disposable pet-safe wipe or clean, damp cloth before the walk.
- Keep the dog on a lead to avoid pets and other people touching them in case the virus is on their fur.
- Take care when cleaning up after them; use a sturdy poo bag and dispose of it as soon as possible.