Is it Safe to Board a Dog During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

Lockdown measures, mask mandates, and other health guidelines vary by state, so it can be hard to know what's allowed and which businesses are open. Is it safe to board your dog during the COVID-19 pandemic? As long as you and your pet caregiver follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it's safe to board your dog. Most states allow dog boarding facilities to remain open. Keep reading to discover how you can keep your family (fur-children included!) safe when accessing pet care services.

Here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself and your caregiver when boarding your dog through the Wag! app:

• Wear a face mask when interacting with others indoors or outdoors.

• Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet where possible.

• Limit face-to-face contact as much as possible.

• Wash your hands before and after handling items like leashes, harnesses, crates, etc.

• Sanitize any surfaces or items handled by your dog boarder.

• Use hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol when you're unable to wash your hands with soap and water.

• If you have to cough or sneeze, turn away from others and do so into your elbow or a tissue, not your hands.

Protecting Pet Parents, Pet Caregivers, and, of course, your fur-babies is our top priority. Wag! encourages the Pet Caregivers on our pet service platform to follow the same guidelines above and make a plan with the Pet Parent. If you've arranged a dog boarding service with Wag! that includes pick-up and drop-off, you can ask your Pet Caregiver to call when they arrive instead of ringing your doorbell. We also ask our Pet Caregivers to wear masks and resist the urge to pet your dog.

Pet Caregivers have the option to complete a COVID-19 module to learn more about the CDC's recommendations regarding pet care. Those who complete the module will have a "Socially Distanced Pet Care" badge on their profile.

If you feel sick or have recently interacted face-to-face with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, please refrain from traveling to a boarding facility or the home of a pet caregiver. This will help minimize the spread of COVID-19 and keep dog boarders and pet parents safe.

Let your Pet Caregiver know if you need to cancel your booking or make alternative arrangements as soon as possible.

What questions should I ask a dog boarder when booking my appointment?

Talk to your Pet Caregiver through in-app chat to discuss your needs and preferences. We encourage you to ask questions like:

• Have you recently experienced any symptoms of coronavirus?

• Have you been vaccinated against COVID-19?

• Do you share your home with anyone who recently tested positive for COVID-19 or experienced symptoms?

Do Pet Caregivers provide their own sanitizer, gloves, and other PPE?

Many of our Pet Caregivers have PPE supplies for their personal use. Pet Parents can leave a "Dedicated COVID-19 Tip" to help offset the cost of supplies. Tipping is optional, but very much appreciated!