09/04/2020
So here is the actual reality of โconsideringโ grooming dogs at this particular time. Itโs a long read but bare with it and take these other points into consideration:
For a groomer to do what the regulations state we would need to;
Reinsure as pet transporters and have a suitable vehicle with crates to transport dogs in
Reinsure car as business use
Put you at risk of Covid19
Put ourselves at risk of Covid19
Bankrupt our clients!!!!!!... keep reading...
Please read, itโs really worth it!!!!
DEFRA/CFSG (stupidly in my opinion) released a statement on Tuesday 7th April which seemingly allows a loophole for groomers and dog walkers to resume work!
HOWEVER it is worded in that, they are not giving permission BUT they are showing they are supporting our industry ๐คฆ๐ผโโ๏ธ
Just so you know why I wonโt be reopening (and I hope you understand why and support me in this)...
This is the procedure I would have to undertake, at all times keeping a minimum of 2m from you, wearing FULL PPE of masks, face shields, gloves, aprons etc (which in my opinion I shouldnโt be buying all the time the NHS are short) :
โข collect your dog (this can be only one households dog at any one time... multiple dog households have to be one at a time) - you CANNOT drive your dog to me. You also CANNOT walk it to me.
โข disinfect your dog safely before putting it in my car along with removing your collar/lead and replacing with my own, safely (10-20mins)
โข change my entire PPE get up for new before entering my premises (10-15mins)
โข take your dog through my premises, past my pets with zero contact (so no it couldnโt touch the floor etc) (10mins)
โข disinfect the dog again (10mins)
โข wash & groom as normal (to dry we use high velocity dryers which would blow any potential virus their coat is carrying up into the air within my premises - and maybe even enough to float a little bit of virus out the window towards anyone surrounding business or homes (1-2hrs+)
โข take your dog back through my premises without contact and without interaction with my pets (10mins)
โข bring them back to you, again maintaining the 2m & full PPE (by which point I would have had to have a full PPE change again) (30-40mins) and change my collar/lead to your own while trying to keep social distancing not to get infected
* at this point youโve got your dog back groomed *
โข I then need to FULLY decontaminate my vehicle (1hr30)
โข I then need to FULLY decontaminate my grooming premises (2-3hrs)
So in summary - thatโs 7, yes SEVEN hours work to groom said dog. If that wasnโt bad enough, you still technically have to disinfect your dog when it comes back to you but my price would supposedly need to reflect this time...so say your dog normally costs ยฃ35 and is done in just over an hour...youโre now looking at:
โข increasing the risk of spreading the virus
โข using 4 sets of full PPE kit which the NHS could be using to help actual dying people
โข paying your normal ยฃ35 PLUS the extra ยฃ120 for the extra time
All because we canโt cope with brushing our dogs for an extra month or so??? I understand some have more complex requirements but this is just your generic dog.
Please support me, my business & the government guidelines during this awful time & donโt use these businesses that choose to use these very small and dangerous loopholes. Itโs appalling. I understand we are struggling for money, Iโve dropped to zero income but still have bills to pay as well so Iโm feeling it too. But it is so unnecessary to be taking these risks. Iโd be horrified if I lost any of you to this horrible horrible virus.
Stay home and stay safe!