At the GSPCA we have been asked a number of times about the States of Guernsey advice on what they can and can’t do with their animals.
The States Vets have kindly put together this great advice https://covid19.gov.gg/guidance/pets-livestock?fbclid=IwAR2YR34mp7YNMqJbqciIlUt8Xc29iAAlMVc8AnylUlE4jjq8JpKcosExMKQ
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “We carry out our essential work at the GSPCA and work in a safe manner so we can provide our 24/7 emergency services.”
“From those isolating to those unsure what they can do we have been directing many members of public and our supporters to the States Vets Covid-19 pets and livestock guidance.”
“We are always here to help but this page will hopefully answer your queries during these difficult days.”
“With such difficult times we really need your support and to donate to our work and the care of the many animals please call 01481 257261, at the GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal .”
“To help ensure we can help animals 24/7 why not become a regular sponsor to help animals like the 3 seal pups during these extremely difficult days and to find out more please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf .”
“We really couldn’t do so much without your support and every penny really helps make a difference.”
Pets and livestock guidance
Please note that this information is current as of 24 January 2021, but may be updated in line with Public Health advice as the COVID-19 situation evolves.
Following the decision on 23 January 2021 for an immediate lockdown to mitigate and minimise the impact of COVID-19 on the community, the information on this page is likely to change over the coming days as we receive further guidance from Public Health. Please check this page regularly in case of updates. We appreciate your patience while we obtain the latest guidance in respect of pets and livestock from Public Health.
The States Veterinary Officers primarily advise on animal health and welfare queries and cannot directly respond to COVID-19 related queries which may impact public health. If your enquiry could have public health implications we advise that you contact the COVID-19 Helpline on: 01481 717118 or [email protected] and should they require our advice, they will come to us directly.
Guidance in relation to pets
Can I get COVID-19 from my pets?
No. There is absolutely no evidence to show transmission from pets to humans.
However, for all pets, the virus can be present on their fur for a short period of time, in the same way it is on other surfaces, such as tables and doorknobs. That’s why our main advice for animal owners continues to be to practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly (for 20 seconds with soap and water) after touching your pet.
Caring for your pet(s)
It is advised that you have a Pet Care Plan in place and accessible, in the event that you cannot care for your pet for a period of time. You should have:
- A plan for who might be able to care for your pet in the event of emergency
- Written details as to the care, feeding and medical history of your pet
- Your vet’s contact details
Advice to cat and ferret owners
It is possible that COVID-19 can be passed between cats (and ferrets), as a precaution, we advise that:
- You keep your cat/ferret indoors if you are self-isolating and avoid unnecessary contact with your pet such as cuddling or letting them lick your face until you receive a negative result.
- You keep your cat(s)/ferret(s) indoors if they have respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms and contact your vet for advice.
- You wash your hands after stroking, touching, feeding or cleaning up after pets.
If you are not able to keep your cat/ferret indoors then it should be collected by a designated friend/family member who can ensure that the pet remains indoors for a period of 2 weeks or until its symptoms no longer exist.
- The pet and all items associated with it (e.g. bed, collar, leash, toys etc.) must be thoroughly washed and dried on arrival at the home of the carer so as to avoid virus spread.
- Guidance on how to clean the pet appropriately is available in the document titled 'COVID-19 Guidance on Bathing Pets & Livestock' below.
- Please adhere to the social distancing and hygiene guidance when collecting pets.
What do I do with my dog if I am in self-isolation?
- You cannot walk your dog if you are in self-isolation, nor can any family members, friends or professional dog walkers.
- If you have a suitable, enclosed outdoor space you can exercise your dog in your garden.
- If you do not have suitable outdoor space you should have your dog collected by a designated friend/family member/boarding facility who should care for the dog for the entire period of self-isolation.
- The dog and all items associated with it (e.g. bed, collar, leash, toys etc.) must be thoroughly washed and dried on arrival at the home of the carer/boarding facility so as to avoid virus spread.
- Guidance on how to clean the pet appropriately is available in the document titled 'COVID-19 Guidance on Bathing Pets & Livestock' below.
What do I do with my dog if I am shielding?
- Your dog can be walked by professional dog walkers or family members/friends provided that they adhere to the guidance provided in the section below titled “Advice for professional dog walkers”
Advice for walking your own dog
- You cannot walk your dog if you are in self-isolation, nor can any family members, friends or professional dog walkers. See “What do I do with my dog if I am in self-isolation?”
- Dog walking can be done within the current daily 2-hour exercise time frame.
- You should only walk your dog alone or with members of your household and observe 2-metre social distancing if you encounter others on your walk.
- If you, or another individual lives alone, you can exercise with one member of another household while socially distanced.
- You should not let your dog engage in rough play with other dogs who are not in your household to prevent the potential spread of the virus.
- You should avoid physical contact with other people’s pets to prevent potential spread of the virus.
Should I walk my dog on a leash?
- If you normally walk your dog off a leash, you can continue to do so but always carry a leash with you. Practice your dog’s recall on walks so you do not have to approach people from other households and break social distancing guidelines to retrieve your dog.
- If you know that your dog is particularly bad with its recall and easily distracted by passing dogs/people then it is in the owner’s best interest to walk their dog on a leash so as to avoid breaching the 2-metre social distancing guidelines.
- If someone does not have control of their dog, the other individual should walk away with their dog so as to avoid breaching the 2-metre social distancing guidelines.
It is standard veterinary advice that you wash your hands after stroking, touching, feeding or cleaning up after your pet.
Advice for professional dog walkers
Professional dog walkers can only walk dogs belonging to essential workers and vulnerable individuals who are shielding.
Professional dog walkers are not obliged to continue to provide their service, but should they decide to, they must adhere to the following:
- You MUST NOT work if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.
- You MUST NOT walk dogs from households in self-isolation.
- Collection of the dog must be done as quickly and efficiently as possible.
- You must keep contact with the dog to a minimum so as to avoid virus spread.
- You must use your own leash to walk the dog, not the leash belonging to the owner.
- It would be best practice if the owner could let their dog out into a secure garden for you to collect the dog outdoors.
- If the above is not possible, you must call the owner before entering their house to collect their dog to ensure that the owner is not present at the time of collection.
- You must wash/sanitise your hands before and after collecting the dog. Wearing disposable gloves is also acceptable. It is advised that you wear a face covering when entering individual’s homes.
- You MUST NOT come into contact with the owner of the dog, or anyone else in the household.
- Dogs must be walked on a leash at all times.
- You must only walk the dog in the area surrounding the owner’s home, the dog must not be transported in your vehicle.
- If a dog cannot be walked in the surrounding area due to health/behavioural issues, your vehicle must be cleaned and disinfected before and after transporting the dog to the nearest available walking location.
- You cannot walk dogs together that are from different households.
- A strict hygiene protocol must be adhered to at all times and social distancing should always be practiced.
- Professional dog walkers must keep a record of all the animals in their care for track and trace purposes.
The above information also applies to friends/family members walking dogs of essential workers/individuals who are shielding.
Advice for dog groomers
Groomers cannot operate under the current lockdown restrictions. This will be re-evaluated as more information is provided by public health.
Advice for boarding facilities
Boarding facilities can only house pets from self-isolating households for the period of self-isolation if no other arrangements can be made to care for the pets.
Boarding facilities are not obliged to continue to provide their service, but should they decide to, they must adhere to the following:
- You MUST NOT work if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.
- Pets must be collected from the individual’s home by the boarding facility.
- Collection of pets must be done as quickly and efficiently as possible.
- Contact with the pet must be kept to a minimum so as to avoid virus spread.
- It would be best practice if the owner could let their dog out into a secure garden or put their pet outside in a crate/carrier for the boarding facility to collect the pet safely.
- If the above is not possible, the boarding facility must call the owner before entering their house to collect their pet to ensure that the owner is not present at the time of collection.
- Individuals must wash/sanitise their hands before and after collecting pets. Wearing disposable gloves is also acceptable. It is advised that individuals wear a face mask when entering owner’s homes.
- Individuals MUST NOT come into contact with the owner of the pet, or anyone else in the household.
- Pets from different households CANNOT be collected in the same trip.
- Vehicles and all contact surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after collecting pets.
- Pets and all items associated with them (e.g. bed, collar, leash, toys etc.) must be thoroughly washed and dried on arrival at the boarding facility so as to avoid virus spread.
- Guidance on how to clean the pet appropriately is available in the document titled “COVID-19 Guidance on Bathing Pets & Livestock” below.
- A strict hygiene protocol must be adhered to at all times and social distancing should always be practiced
- Boarding facilities must keep a record of all the animals in their care for track and trace purposes.
- As always, it is standard veterinary advice to wash your hands after stroking, touching, feeding, or cleaning up after an animal.
Can my pet go into boarding facilities if I am self-isolating?
Yes. If you are self-isolating, your pet can go into boarding facilities if no other arrangements can be made to care for your pet, provided that the facility is happy to take your pet.
- You MUST NOT take your pet to the boarding facility. Pets must be collected from the individual’s home by the boarding facility.
- Please contact the boarding facility directly.
- See “Advice for boarding facilities” for further information.
Guidance in relation to livestock
Advice to horse owners
- Have a Pet Care Plan in place and accessible, in the event that you cannot care for your horse for a period of time. You should have:
- A plan for who might be able to care for your horse in the event of emergency
- Written details as to the care, feeding and medical history of your horse
- Your vet’s contact details
- Providing food and care for horses and other animals is essential, even if they are kept at a location that is distant from your own home.
- Observe the 2-metre social distancing guidelines when travelling to and from fields/barns to tend to your horse(s).
- Horse riding can be done alone or with a member of your household within the current daily 2-hour exercise time frame provided you social distance whilst out.
- If you, or another individual lives alone, you can exercise with one member of another household while socially distanced.
- If your horse needs a visit from the vet, it is possible that they will bring along a clinic staff member to hold your horse during procedures in order to maintain social distancing.
- Non-essential farrier visits cannot be undertaken at present.
Advice for livery yards and stables
- Livery yards and stables must consider how to adapt their businesses to meet animal care needs while adhering to the emergency guidance and maintaining social distancing.
- An efficient hygiene protocol should be in place.
- As always, it is standard veterinary advice to wash your hands after stroking, touching, feeding, or cleaning up after an animal.
Advice to farmers and smallholders
- Providing food and care for all of the animals in your charge must continue, even if your animals are kept at a location that is distant from your own home.
- Observe the 2-metre social distancing guidelines when travelling to and from fields/barns.
- If your animal needs to be seen by a vet, it is possible that the vet will bring along a clinic staff member to hold your animal during procedures in order to maintain social distancing.
- The abattoir is operating to a normal schedule but has social distancing measures in place. Livestock keepers are advised to contact the food business operator directly to book animals in.
- Collection of ‘fallen stock’ continues to operate normally whilst adhering to social distancing and hygiene guidance.
Further information
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What should I do if I am self-isolating, have COVID-19 or am awaiting results?
- Please refer to the “Advice for those at home in self-isolation” document found at the bottom of this dropdown.
- You must not leave the house to walk your dog or attend to other animals. If you have animals located elsewhere (e.g. livestock), please make arrangements for someone else to care for them while you cannot.
- You cannot walk your dog if you are self-isolating, nor can any family members, friends or professional dog walkers. See “What do I do with my dog if I am self-isolating?”
- Avoid unnecessary contact with your pet such as cuddling or letting them lick your face.
- Wash your hands after stroking, touching, feeding or cleaning up after your pet.
- If your pet shows clinical signs, please call your veterinary practice for advice. Make sure you tell them if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, are awaiting results or are in self-isolation.
- If your pet requires emergency treatment, call the practice for further advice. Do not take your pet to the veterinary surgery unless the vet instructs you to. In that case, you will need to arrange for someone else to transport your pet for treatment.
- Have a Pet Care Plan in place and ensure it is accessible in the event that you cannot care for your animal for a period of time. You should have:
- A plan for who might be able to care for your animal in the event of emergency
- Written details as to the care, feeding and medical history of your animal
- Your vet’s contact details
- You should not ride your horse while self-isolating. If you have a horse in livery, you must not visit them whilst you are self-isolating. You should contact your yard manager to make suitable welfare arrangements.
Advice for those at home in self-isolation.pdf [268.99 KB]
What should I do if I am self-isolating and my pet requires emergency veterinary care?
- DO NOT take your pet to the vets!
- Call your vet to describe the symptoms of your pet and explain that you are self-isolating/in enhanced passive follow-up.
- Your vet will tell you if your pet needs to be brought to the practice.
- Arrange for a family member/friend to take your pet to the vet on your behalf.
- Your veterinary practice will have their own protocols in place with regard to pets from self-isolating households. They may request that your friend/family member remains in the vehicle with your pet on arrival at the practice. Your friend/family member will have to call the practice when they arrive to inform the vet that they are waiting in the car park. The vet may come and collect the pet from the car park or invite your friend/family member into the practice with your pet.
Veterinary clinics
- Please contact your veterinary clinic before attending.
- Your veterinary clinic will have their own protocols in place - please contact them for details of their operating procedures.
- See above, titled “What should I do if I am self-isolating and my pet requires emergency veterinary care?”
Animal Welfare Organisations
Please check with these organisations directly for further details.
- Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Link to GSPCA website
- Guernsey Animal Aid: Link to GAA website
Animal food and agricultural supplies
Please contact your local supplier for further information.
Animal-related events
Please contact your local organisations for further information.
Importing animals
- Only essential movement of animals is permitted, such as for veterinary treatment which cannot be provided locally.
- Please see the COVID-19 Guidance on Bathing Pets & Livestock below.
COVID-19 Guidance on Bathing Pets & Livestock [631.49 KB]
COVID-19 contacts
Clinical questions
01481 756938
or
01481 756969
[email protected]
Phoneline available 24 hours a day. Email inbox monitored Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00
Non-clinical enquiries
01481 717118
[email protected]
Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00
Businesses with financial concerns
01481 743803
[email protected]
Critical workers
01481 747578
[email protected]
Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00
Education
01481 733017
[email protected]
Monday to Friday 08:30-17:00
In line with States of Guernsey advice please DO NOT visit the GSPCA if have been outside of the Bailiwick of Guernsey in line with their advice or have any symptoms of Coronavirus and we continue visits to the Shelter for only essential reasons and to please call us on 01481 257261 or email [email protected] before your trip to see if we can help without you coming to the Shelter. For the latest information and advice please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/search/node/coronavirus
The GSPCA continues with all essential services and we plane to phase other services back into operation and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-take-cautious-approach-returning-new-normal-%E2%80%93-gspca-plan-our-services-and-volunteers-retu
With huge challenges on our resources and a drop in income from boarding and donations please help us help animals in Guernsey with our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by donating online via - https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal
During these difficult times help us help animals in need. From donating to Sponsoring a Pen, Buying a Brick for the much needed Wildlife Hospital to our Amazon and main page Wish List, holding a mufti day to a sponsored Christmas dip, here are some of the ways you could help give animals joy.
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