A Message from Preloved to Existing Pet Owners

COVID-19 Update: A Message from Preloved to Existing Pet Owners

Lockdown is a funny old time for us humans, but what’s the best advice on how to take care of our furry little friends? We know that a lot of pet owners will be worried about the welfare of their animals, and that’s why we want to provide you with the most up to date information and overall guidance during social distancing. These suggestions are informed by a variety of reputable organisations including the government body Defra, the official kennel club of the UK, and Dog’s Trust.

Main Take-Aways from Defra

1. As of yet, there is no evidence that in the UK, pets or any other animals are passing on or circulating the coronavirus.
2. If you are experiencing any symptoms, try to exercise your dog at home rather than taking it for a walk. If this is not possible, you should ask someone fit and well to do it for you without coming into close contact with them.
3. Volunteering to walk someone’s dog on their behalf is permitted as it falls under assisting a vulnerable or at-risk person. Defra advises taking the usual precautions with regards to washing your hands and keeping 2 metres apart from the owner.
4. If you are feeling healthy, ensure that your one form of exercise a day is done with your dog, or combined with providing care for your horse if this is the case.
5. If you are showing symptoms, unfortunately, you cannot leave the house to visit your horse. Alternative arrangements for welfare must be made with either your vet or the manager of the yard where your horse is based.

For more advice, click here.

A round-up from the Kennel Club

 If you have more questions specific to dogs, then the Kennel Club provides the most accurate answers. If you’re worried about the following issues, please use this link to get your queries resolved.

1. What’s the best advice for the litter of puppies I have due? Can families visit them?
2. I need some practical tips on socialising my puppies at home
3. Is it worth postponing a litter that we had planned for our pup?

Alternatively, the Dog’s Trust also has many helpful solutions to the following questions:

1. I want to keep my dog in its usual routine whilst I WFH, how is this possible?
2. I’m worried about people stockpiling. What am I to do if there is a sudden shortage of dog food?
3. Is there a time limit for how long I’m allowed out with my dog for? Am I able to drive to our favourite walk?

If you are worried about the following relating to your pet, the RSPCA can help:

1. I am concerned about my cat’s change in behaviour
2. My pet was due for a vaccination / my kitten was about to be neutered, what do I do?
3. Is my cat allowed to leave the house?

Follow advice from the Canine and Feline Sector Group Here if you:

1. Have a pet-related business and want to know how to operate under the coronavirus restrictions
2. Own a boarding establishment,
3. Commercial Dog Day Care,
4. Are a dog walker,
5. A groomer,
6. A dog or cat breeder,
7. A rehoming or rescue organisation
8. Own a Pet Shop

A final note from Preloved on the rehoming of animals during Social Distancing…

Whilst there aren’t any official guidelines released yet on this topic, we are in touch with Defra and await further information. We will provide their suggestions to our Preloved community as soon as they become available. In the meantime, we would ask that people refrain from rehoming animals, which includes both the buying and selling of pets on site. Here’s why:

• All rehoming of animals must be done face to face. Since this is not possible due to the current ‘stay at home’ climate, we do NOT permit the ‘shipment’ of animals, nor encourage pet courier services as an alternative to not being able to view the pets advertised in person.
• We always advise against paying deposits to ‘hold’ pets that have not yet been viewed. This is to protect our Preloved community against would-be scammers, who could request a pre-payment whilst ‘stay at home’ is enforced.
• The sale of pets at this time could be considered impulsive, albeit with the very best of intentions. Whilst people may now find themselves with time on their hands to care for a new dog, for example, they may struggle when life returns to normal and work and family commitments resume.
• Pets, particularly puppies, must be socialised from a very early age in order to develop the skills needed in their busy lives. This is something that will not be feasible at present, due to social distancing regulations. This would mean that your dream relationship with a new furry friend may not start off on the right foot.