DOGWALKS’ Contactless Protocols for pick up & drop off at client’s homes

Ways to expedite pick up & drop off

1. Ensure dog is easily accessible.
2. Have dog ready for walk/departure
   • Front clipping harness on. We can take it off at drop off if you’d like
   • Designated spot near the door, where walking gear is located.
   • Contact info tags on dog (on flat collar or harness). Please have “I’m walking with Dogwalks” tag on your dog’s walking gear too. (We have more if you’ve lost yours)
3. Usually dog runs to the door
   • If not, have dog in area close to door
   • If you crate your dog, please put crate as close to front door as possible
4. If you are home and your dog doesn’t run to the door, please put on a mask, we will set our leash on the floor and then step back 6+ feet. Leash up dog and hand leash to handler.
5. Staff will wear masks at pick up and drop off.
6. Staff will carry paper towels and hand sanitizers in vehicles,
7. Keep interactions short (please try to keep all conversations concerning your dog by phone or email — we are here for you)
8. If you are home, please stand at least 6 feet away from dog care staff
9. Sanitize door knobs before and after we come to your home.
10. We use our own leashes but if a leash hand-off is necessary keep the interaction quick (wearing a mask) and be sure to wash your hands after.
11. Please make sure your dog has a full water bowl (or bottle if in a crate) so we don’t need to come inside to do a water check.

COVID-19 Industry Guidance: limited services from CAL/OSHA and CA Dept of Public Health (page 16)

• Dog walking services should establish protocols to ensure customers cancel their dog walking service if any person in the household has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or is sick or exhibiting any symptoms.
• Dog walking services should maintain regular contact with customers to ask about any such issues if not told by the customer in advance. If the dog walker or pet owner has any COVID-19 symptoms, has been sick, or has been exposed to someone who has, dog walking services should be cancelled.
• Dog walkers and pet owners should keep their interactions limited. If unable to discuss important pet care details virtually, in-person interaction must be short and a six-foot distance throughout any conversation must be maintained.
• Dog walkers and pet owners should practice contactless hand-offs. The pet owner should make all efforts to allow the dog walker to let themselves in and all essential materials should be left near the door.
• If a lead hand-off is necessary, keep the interaction quick and wash hands after or use proper hand sanitizer.
• When the pet owner is not home, they should make sure the pet is easily accessible and should gate the pet near the entry area whenever possible.
• If the pet owner is dropping the dog off at the dog walker’s residence, the dog walker should ensure the drop-off occurs at the home’s door or, in a multi-family building, an established common area, preferably outdoors.
• When possible, the dog walker should bring and use their own lead and disposable waste bags. Clean and sanitize all materials, including leads, food containers, water, and food bowls before and after a walk.