This is the last Click here for a full list of workers deemed essential within the state. That way you can read the Order for yourself to see if it mentions professional dog walking. When contacting my human health services, there was confusion with the rep I spoke with too, who initially said she thought professional dog walking was OK. Carry hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes, and use them often. My hope in sharing this is that it will help you determine if dog walkers are considered "essential" or "key" workers in your own area as well as to share the considerations and factors I looked at while making my decision, so you can make the best choice for your business. Copyright © So even if you get the OK to continue walking dogs, it doesn't necessarily mean you should. With so many people either not working, or working from home, dog walkers have seen a significant drop in business. On March 23, Gov. You may not need your dog walker, house keeper, or nanny during the coronavirus quarantine, but they need you. So I am in no way knocking the dog walking profession. Keep in mind things may be wildly different based on your location and this is simply the experience I had here in Marin County, California. On a personal note, I care about all my members and blog readers. It's also a big plus if a dog walker can reference prior work in an animal health field such as employment as a veterinary technician or veterinary assistant. Yes, please send me email tips to grow my business! Quebec curfew exceptions include essential workers, pharmacy visits, dog walkers Quebecers who break 8 p.m. curfew could face fines of up to $6,000 Curfew … The County websites I've looked at include both the order and an FAQ clarifying it further. Here's why you should keep paying the gig workers who rely on you year round. We’ll look at what these executive orders mean for dog walkers and how to continue to deliver trustworthy, reliable pet care during these unprecedented times. If you live somewhere with mandated orders, you can check and confirm by finding the order for your city or county online. health and safety guidelines from the CDC. Dog sitting may not seem like an essential service at first glance. I was able to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance here in California once the state was declared a disaster in California, for example. Specifically, PSI asks that any “shelter in place” or similar order clearly deem pet sitters and dog walkers as “essential workers,” enabling them to continue to offer necessary services and be excluded from any mandatory business closures. Although everyone would argue that they're essential to their employers, lawmakers have dwindled the list to several industries deemed too critical to be halted during the crisis. Gardeners, dog walkers and maids. After putting me on hold and speaking with a supervisor, I was told they would be updating the FAQ to address this and to check back later. Working with Dog has complied a list of resources for pet professionals, including companies that are offering financial relief. According to the state, dozens of jobs ranging from dog walkers to grocery store clerks are considered essential while small businesses will be allowed to remain open … So I am in no way knocking the dog walking profession. Are you and your staff comfortable continuing to operate? Since my clients are all working from home, they can take care of their own dogs' basic needs, and then some. The Order may include verbiage telling you if dog walkers are considered essential. We hate SPAM. But it also claims that those working at its … Avoid dog parks, busy streets, and contact with others. When I accepted this cat-sitting gig — and all my other pet-sitting jobs — we weren't in a pandemic. Stay in touch with your customers and be sure to communicate any updates with them. Remember to continue to monitor updates from the CDC and the WHO  and follow their recommendations accordingly. What I'm talking about here are government Orders that define which jobs are seen as "essential" and can continue to operate during a shelter in place, lockdown, or similar situation. Gavin Newsom brought myriad county and city public-health directives under a single umbrella in one of the largest restrictions on civic life in American history. We will never sell your information, for any reason. With mandated stay-at-home orders across the country and around the world, many dog walkers are wondering whether or not pet care is considered essential work.