COVID-19 Prevention of Virus Infection Policy

Revised March 2021

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This policy is informed by the Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) government guidance; HSE Risk Assessment; CFSG COVID 19 Advice; CFSG Pet Handover Protocol May 2020 and the CFSG Pet Service Protocol Matrix May 2020. The policy has been revised in line with COVID-19 – ADVICE FOR ANIMAL RELATED BUSINESSES AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN ENGLAND and CFSG Pet Handover Protocol January 2021. The policy is subject to regular revision dependent on the severity of the pandemic. 

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• This policy is shared with all staff, permanent and temporary, working in The Miaow Motel.

• Temporary and seasonal staff will only be used when absolutely necessary to reduce the risk of coronavirus, or other infections, being brought into the cattery. 

• Regular risk assessments are undertaken to assess the level of risk to the proprietors; any temporary/seasonal staff and customers dropping off and collecting their cats.

 

• The importance of frequent handwashing and surface cleaning is emphasised to all staff members, with staff encouraged to adhere to government guidance on handwashing and hygiene.

• Both soap dispensers; hand sanitiser and hand wipes are placed around the cattery. Paper towels are available for hand drying.

• Temporary and seasonal staff [if required] will be reminded that they MUST maintain a 2m distance from the proprietors and any other seasonal staff as a condition of employment.

• Where seasonal and temporary staff are employed each member of staff must thoroughly clean areas of common traffic, frequently cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces that are touched regularly.

 

• Customers are asked, wherever possible, to carry out all administration using the internet – that is complete the registration form and send a completed copy via email; notify the cattery of most recent and flea treatments by text, messenger, WhatsApp, email or phone and send a photo of the cat’s vaccination booklet, showing the cat’s name and date of last booster or initial injections.

• If the customer does not have access to a laptop/tablet or is unable to take a photograph of the cat’s vaccination booklet it should be placed on the cat’s carrier when they arrive; the customer should step back 2m in order to enable staff to check the date of the last booster/initial vaccination.

• Booking fees and payments should be made by bank transfer wherever possible. If not possible payment should be made by cash to reduce the number of times staff have to do physical banking.

 

• The gate to the cattery will remain closed with all customers asked to provide an agreed drop-off and collection time. Times will be staggered to reduce the likelihood of more than one family group arriving at any one time.

• If the owner wants to discuss any needs or requirements they are invited to do so at the cattery entrance where air can flow freely and social distancing can be maintained.    

• When customers drop-off their cats they are asked to place their cat – in a securely fastened carrier – outside the main cattery entrance. The cat is then picked up and taken to the cattery and placed in its chalet. The carrier is opened and the cat is then given time to come out and get accustomed to its chalet. After the cat feels comfortable and secure it is wiped down and the outside of their carrier is disinfected.

• Both outside the cattery, and when one customer is permitted in the cattery, all interactions will take place in a COVID secure way: social distancing is maintained and masks are worn over staff and customer’s mouth and nose. There are no exceptions.

• Both before and after admitting/discharging cats staff wash their hands for a minimum of 20-seconds using soap or water or hand sanitiser in the cattery reception.

• On collection the cat is again wiped down and the carrier wiped down with a pet-friendly disinfectant to reduce the spread of virus. The cat is then taken in its carrier to its owner[s] with cattery staff wearing disposable gloves. The gloves are then removed and disposed of in the bin with staff then washing their hands.

• Hygiene procedures when stroking and grooming cats must be strictly adhered to with staff washing their hands in between each grooming/play session between each cat chalet.   

• Cats admitted due to their owner’s hospitalisation with either or suspected coronavirus will be placed in the isolation unit for a period of three days to ensure that no virus is retained on the cat’s fur/skin if acting as a formite. These cats will be fed and cleaned out last to prevent the transference of coronavirus to another cat via staff clothing.

 

• Procedures for drop offs and collections will be communicated to customers via social media; by email and WhatsApp; in person; when bookings are made and by follow up telephone call if required.

 

Supporting Documentation:

 

COVID-19 – ADVICE FOR ANIMAL RELATED BUSINESSES AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN ENGLAND [March 2021], CFSG.

Pet Handover Protocol January 2021, CFSG.

Risk Assessment [The Miaow Motel], revised 19.03.21

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