Looking after your pets during the coronavirus lockdown

While you are staying safe by staying at home to prevent further spread of coronavirus, you might be worried about your pet or working animal’s care or everyday needs. There is guidance available to put your mind at ease.

Everyday needs

From walking your dog to buying pet food, there’s plenty to think about when looking after your pet.

If you are able to, it is important to take your dog for a walk during your reccomended daily outdoor exercise, if you live in a household of multiple people you could take turns to do this.

People who don’t have a garden have been urged to stay outside their home when taking pets out for relief breaks, and to ensure they wash their hands immediately after returning inside.

While non-essential shops have closed, some pet stores are still open for pet owners to purchase food and other essentials.

Popular pet store Pets at Home is operating reduced opening hours but remains open and providing home delivery.

Dogs Trust have answered the most common questions about looking after pets during the coronavirus lockdown.

Healthcare

During the current UK lockdown to prevent the further spread of coronavirus, your usual vet will be operating differently, but they are still open.

Any routine appointments you had made might be rescheduled, but veterinary practices have been advised to provide emergency care so they are there if you need them urgently.

Your local practice is also able to fulfil urgent prescriptions and maintain the food supply chain if you use this service. If you have to visit the vet during this time, all practices should have social distancing measures in place to keep you, your vet and your pet safe.

It is always best to contact your local practice before attending to ensure they are still open for emergencies, or if they will redirect you to another practice nearby.

Working animals

If you normally utilise local services to help you look after a working animal like a guide dog, you might be concerned about how these are affected.

If this is the case, your local team should be in touch with you to provide any information and answer your questions.

Guide Dogs have issued specific advice about their services and coronavirus: it is business as usual at the charity. You can contact your local Guide Dogs team if you have any specific concerns about how coronavirus will affect the services they provide.

All local Guide Dogs teams have been briefed on specific matters related to coronavirus and are being updated regularly as the situation evolves.

You can find more information about Guide Dogs and the coronavirus here.

How has the way you care for your pet changed due to the current situation? Share your tips with the #EnableCommunity on Twitter and Instagram.

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