Our Safety Procedures:
- Enforcing a strict one-dog-at-a-time (ODAAT) policy: as a one-on-one grooming facility, we will continue adhering to our strict ODAAT policy. As such, you will be expected to remain in your vehicle with your pet when you arrive for you stationary salon appointment. The groomer on shift will contact you when they are ready for your pet. Please avoid "meet and greet" situations with other dogs at our salon. Expect slightly longer than normal wait times as we cannot fully predict the needs of our previous clients and are doing our best to keep your pet safe by eliminating potential contact with other dogs.
- Implementing more stringent sterilization procedures: we use a variety of pet-safe disinfectant products between clients and have added several new veterinary-formulated products that aggressively target canine-specific viruses. We will also be adding air purifiers and dehumidifiers to our salons as an extra layer of protection.
- Adding additional personal protective equipment (PPE): our groomers will be wearing a new disposable plastic apron for each client and will be expected to dispose of used aprons accordingly. Our groomers will continue thoroughly washing their hands between each client to kill bacteria and prevent spreading any pathogens to the next client.
- Requiring clients to answer a pet health screening upon arrival for each appointment: Oly Grooming Co. groomers will be asking a series of questions upon arrival for your appointment. If your pet shows any symptoms of respiratory illness, you will be asked to reschedule for a minimum of 14 days from onset of symptoms and until all symptoms of fully resolved.
Symptoms to Watch For: |
How to Protect Your Pet: |
If your pet shows any of the following symptoms or has been in contact with a symptomatic dog in the days leading up to your Oly Grooming Co. appointment, call or text us immediately to reschedule and consult your veterinarian to determine if further testing is necessary:
Scholarly Resources for Further Information:
Oregon Veterinary Medical Association:
Canine infectious respiratory disease in Oregon. Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease in Oregon | Oregon Veterinary Medical Association. (2023, December 1). https://www.oregonvma.org/news/reports-of-severe-canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-in-oregon Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Canine respiratory disease outbreaks. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (2023, December 1). https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/canine-respiratory-disease-outbreaks Washington State Department of Agriculture: State Vets Office gives update on canine respiratory disease. Washington State Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=38019 |
The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association urges pet owners to practice caution rather than worry over the viral surge.
"Dr. Stephen Kochis, the chief medical officer for the Oregon Humane Society, told the New York Times he does not want people to panic because number of cases reported to ODA represents a small number of all the dogs in the state. 'We are not seeing an uptick in respiratory disease outside of the ordinary expectation for pets that would get respiratory disease,' he said." As such, making informed decisions on your daily activities with your pet will be the best way to prevent contracting the virus. The ODA recommends avoiding dog parks and areas with a high density of pets. Thoroughly vet doggy daycares, boarding facilities, grooming salons and veterinary offices to ensure that they are taking measures to prevent the spread of canine viruses. Keep your pet up to date with all routine vaccinations, including Parvovirus, Bordatella, Canine parainfluenza, Rabies and all other state-required vaccinations. Do not allow your pet to come into contact with unvaccinated pets or pets showing symptoms of illness. Continuing to follow common sense guidelines for preventing the spread of viruses will help your pet stay happy and healthy. Source: Canine infectious respiratory disease in Oregon. Canine. Infectious Respiratory Disease in Oregon | Oregon Veterinary Medical Association. (2023, December 1). https://www.oregonvma.org/news/reports-of-severe-canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-in-oregon |