IN THE THIRD PETS+ COVID-19 Impact Survey, we focused on the segment of the pet industry most impacted by government restrictions: grooming salons and grooming departments in pet stores.
We asked, “Were you ordered to close your grooming salon or department?” A whopping 60 percent said “Yes,” with 38.5 responding “No” and 1.5 percent saying, “Not ordered, but chose to close it myself.”
Of those that closed their grooming salon or department, 76 said that they have re-opened. The longest closing then reopening period reported was eight weeks by Renee Gonzalez Waterloo Feed and Pet Supply in Waterloo, IL. Most said they were closed for six weeks.
Teresa Hogge of Belly Rubs N Suds in Ashburn, VA, was closed for five weeks.
“We were required to close due to exposure to COVID-19 by a client who tested positive three days after being in my salon. We chose to stay closed an additional three weeks while we prepared the salon and staff to operate in a new way to offer the safest experience possible for my team and clients.”
Melissa Wiltse of Happy Pooch Styling & Spa in Lynden, WA, has yet to reopen but said, “Still waiting for Phase 2 to reopen in our county. We have been closed for grooming since March 25. We have been told the earliest we will be able resume grooming is June 1.”
Wiltse was one of 47 percent of those surveyed who contacted her local government to reopen. She petitioned, but was not granted permission to reopen as an essential business.
Others also requested to reopen and could not get a straight answer.
Amanda McGrath of North Memorial Animal Hospital and Paw Spaw in New Wilmington, PA, said, “Our health department gave us one answer, but the governor would override it or change it.”
Charlsye Lewis of Metro Animals in Fort Worth, TX, had a similar experience, but with positive results.
“We contacted the state, county and city municipalities, each telling us different info. It was a month-long fight and negotiation. I believe the pressure put on these agencies by local businesses swayed the decision to allow us to open.”
As of May 21, 40 owners and managers have responded to part two of our COVID-19 Impact Survey Part 3. Take the survey yourself, and stay tuned for more results. Join the PETS+ Brain Squad to take part in surveys. To hear more from your independent pet business peers, join our Facebook Community.
What’s the Brain Squad?
If you’re the owner or top manager of a U.S. pet business serving the public, you’re invited to join the PETS+ Brain Squad. Take one five-minute quiz a month, and you’ll get a free T-shirt, be featured prominently in this magazine, and have your voice heard on key issues affecting the pet industry. Sign up here.