Can i still do visits under a shelter-in-place order?
Concerned about whether or not this counts as essential work -- am I breaking the law if I keep doing drop-ins?
3 Answers
You're best resources are your local or stage government sites. But I do know that generally pet care is considered essential work. There could be differences depending on where you live. If you are doing drop ins because the owners are out of town or otherwise unavailable to care for their pet, I would think that it counts as essential (it is in CA). If you are continuing, I recommend following extra precautions - washing your hands before and after, using gloves when opening the doors or touching anything in the home, including the leash, etc. Good luck!!
I believe you’re safe in continuing to care for pets. My state is under shelter in place order and it clearly has been stated multiple times that you can walk your dog in the community. They also reiterated to please not gather with other people (so no dog parks, meet & greets, marketing, conversations - which could increase exposure to other humans). Even if the pet owner is home with the pet, they may utilize your services, so long as they and/or other humans are not joining you on the walk, you’d not be in violation.
Comments
maybe do meet & greets via text or skype?...not as good, but...
Meet & greet via Skype is fairly worthless. M&G is to determine match with pet & provider (pet parent not that relevant). Though you could text or skype if you just want to exchange pet care details, pet health history, preferences, etc.
The only way we are going to contain this virus is if EVERYONE stays home. I know it's hard to not care for clients and their pets and to be losing potential income. But every home you enter, every person that you or that client has come in contact with can spread the virus along with you. Just because you feel good doesn't mean you aren't already infected.
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i appreciate that. i am caring for a cat whose owner broke her hip; she doesn't have any relatives in my town, apparently, so i'm asking whether it is technically breaking the law to keep feeding her cat until she can do it herself.
This type of situation is when I think it's clear you're not breaking the law. My dog depends entirely on me for his care. If for some medical reason, I couldn't care for my dog, I'd need someone else to walk him around the neighborhood.I'm allowed to walk my dog, so a walker should be able instead.