03/05/2020
A long post, but important, so I would be grateful if you could read all the way through and give a ‘like’ so I know you have seen it. Thank you
I am also uploading copies of my T&C’s which you should all have signed previously and my risk assessment. By bringing your dog for grooming you are consenting to these terms and updated procedures.
STILL CLOSED
Like many other groomers, I am still waiting for a change in directive from the Government and Industry advisory bodies to allow me to re-open. Current guidelines make it clear that travelling to the groomers is unlikely to be considered an essential journey. Please be assured as soon as this information changes you will be the first to know!
While I am waiting to open again, I have been planning and preparing a number of new procedures that will be required for operating in as safe a manner as possible going forward. I am fully trained in infection control and cross contamination and already operate comprehensive hygiene practices but you will notice some changes, particularly in handover procedures.
The following will now be necessary:
1) You will no longer be able to come round to the salon entrance. There is a holding pen to the left hand side of the front of the house. Please wait for me to come out and meet you.
2) You will be asked to put your dog into the pen via the gate and remove all leads/harness, collar etc. Please use the hand sanitiser provided before opening the gate.
3) I will then collect your dog using my own slip lead which will be disinfected between each use with a DEFRA approved dog safe disinfectant. You will notice I will be wearing additional PPE as directed by the Canine & Feline Sector Group.
4) When you return to collect your dog, please wait in your car on the drive. I will return your dog into the holding pen when they are finished and spray with Leucillin (a dog safe antiseptic which has tested effective against Coronavirus). You will then be able to retrieve them using your own lead and collar, ideally these should be clean. Again, please use the hand sanitiser provided before opening the gate and ensure you adhere to social distancing.
5) Payments where possible will need to be made by BACS the day before your appointment. I will also be able to take contactless card payments but BACS in advance is the preferred method.
6) Future appointments will be made over the phone the day before or via email/message. I will not be handing out appointment cards.
7) I would politely request that you arrive at the given time for your appointment and to collect. I am allowing extra time between appointments to avoid any crossover and for additional cleaning but I need your help for this to work.
8) Initially I will only be seeing my existing clients, I anticipate it will be some time before I am able to take on any new clients.
9) Please don't be offended to find me wearing additional PPE
10) It is IMPERATIVE that when I contact you the day before your appointment you disclose whether you have been isolating or knowingly exposed to Coronavirus. If you need additional time to complete a 7 or 14 day isolation period please let me know so we can rearrange. I need to do everything I can to protect my clients and myself.
The extra steps I have to take with each dog mean I now have to use a new set of disposable gloves and apron for each dog. All waste from each appointment has to be bagged and sealed separately. Every lead I use has to be cleaned and sterilised after use. I have bought a large quantity of hand sanitiser for customer use. All of these measures, including the additional time for each appointment, incur extra cost. My ability to work will be dependent on being able to source the correct equipment.
There may be other things we have to add/alter as time goes on. This procedure has been put together following government guidelines and advice from PIF/BDGA, B**A, CFSG and the Groomers Spotlight.
I’m sure it will take us all a little while to get used to this new way of working and I am grateful for your patience and support through these difficult times.
Finally, if you have any queries or concerns please do not hesitate to raise them with me.
Hoping to see you all again soon x