Dog groomers
The Scottish Government recognises that the lack of access to professional pet grooming services has the potential to impact on the welfare of certain breeds of animal, particularly those requiring regular grooming to maintain their wellbeing.
Despite the ongoing restrictions on journeys and access to workplaces not considered essential, we acknowledge that professional pet groomers may provide a service for those animals whose welfare is at risk from severely matted hair.
Where an animal’s welfare is not at risk, professional groomers should not be providing routine grooming services. Routine grooming is deemed a non-essential business activity.
Where essential professional grooming on welfare grounds is undertaken it must be conducted in line with the Scottish Government’s guidance on social distancing.
Professional dog walkers
The Scottish Government has said it’s acceptable for a dog walker to continue working, provided the guidance on social distancing can be adhered to. This would include:
- remaining at least 2 metres from the owner at pick up and drop off, and from other walkers when out;
- practicing good hygiene at all times, with regular handwashing both before and after contact; and
- dogs from infected households being kept on a lead to avoid contact with other walkers or their dogs, and you may need to review walking groups of dogs together to achieve this.
Government advice for animal owners is available here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-animal-owners/
Pet owners can contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999 for advice and support, or visit the SPCA website.
Livestock Owners can contact the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution on 0300 111 4166 (7am – 11pm) or visit the Royal Scottish Agriculture Benevolent Institution website.
Guidance for beekeepers is also available on the Scottish Government website.
