At PetSmart, part of doing Anything for Pets is ensuring our pet care standards – created based on guidance from our panel of expert veterinarians – lead the industry. Like family physicians, during the winter months, pet care providers tend to see a spike in pet viruses and illnesses. As part of our commitment to pet health and safety, PetSmart has robust processes in place for all pets receiving care in our Salons, PetsHotels, Doggie Day Camp or Training Center. During higher-risk times like we are currently experiencing, we often add additional measures to ensure pet safety. For example, we’ve extended the pre-screening process for PetsHotel and Training to now cover Salon services to ensure pets with any current or previous signs of illness are identified before encountering other pets. We’re also reinforcing existing health and safety protocols, while working to educate pet parents on how to spot signs of a pet illness.
Expanded Pre-Screening Process to Now Include Pets Visiting Salons
Pets visiting PetSmart for Training, a stay at the PetsHotel, and now Salon services, are welcomed by a safety-certified associate who conducts a thorough Hands-On-Assessment checking for unique needs, taking note of any behavioral or health issues and addressing any concerns with pet parents.
The pet parent will then be asked a series of pre-screening questions including:
- Has your pet experienced any sign of illness in the past three weeks?
- Has your pet been to the veterinarian for an illness, or prescribed any medication in past three weeks?
In addition, all pets are required to have proper vaccination documentation prior to any Salon service, stay in the PetsHotel, Doggie Day Camp or Training.
Rigorous Health and Safety Protocols and Procedures
PetSmart’s rigorous health and safety protocols are designed by a dedicated Safety team of experts and implemented daily by our pet care and safety-certified associates.
All rooms, bowls, toys, play equipment and common areas of PetSmart’s PetsHotel are sanitized daily with additional cleaning throughout the day. Pets are transferred to and from the PetsHotel with a PetSmart slip leash to combat potential spreading of germs on personal collars and leashes. Extensive record-keeping of appetite and activity are monitored and recorded for each pet in our care. In addition, all PetSmart PetsHotels feature Aerapy disinfection systems – a state-of-the-art air purification system exclusively designed for the pet industry – which sanitizes the air using Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) technology.
In PetSmart Salons, all surfaces including grooming tables, kennels, walls, ledges, water bowls, vents, etc., are washed and disinfected at the close of every day, with additional cleaning throughout the day.
Pets in our care are continually monitored and our associates are trained to watch for critical signs of stress. If necessary, associates are empowered to immediately seek veterinary care for any pet that shows signs of illness.
Signs to Watch for Pet Illness
From PetSmart Veterinarian, Dr. Misti May recommends that pets see their veterinarian regularly for appropriate vaccinations and wellness care. Contact your veterinarian if your pet is exhibiting signs of illness which could include a change in activity or appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, or changes in behavior such as aggression or hiding.
In respiratory illnesses, pets may have a cough, discharge from the eyes or nose, sneezing, decreased appetite, or in some cases a fever.
If you are concerned about your pet’s health, you’re encouraged to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
