Coronavirus Statement
Prevent Separation Issues in Dogs
April 23, 2020KEEP CHECKING IN: This article will be updated when there are any changes
Last update: 04.11.2020
Position Statement on Services Provided by Pooch Paws & Katey Aldred
In light of the outbreak of the corona virus (COVID-19) and government advice the following outline is the position of Pooch Paws & Katey Aldred and applies to all clients.
There are a vast selection of owners that use services including those in the more at risk group, please take a few minutes to read through this article.
UPDATE 17th March 2021
face to face services
During March ALL sessions are still online and live due to government restrictions. As it stands today, we are still under travel restrictions which means students would be open to fines for travelling for sessions.
𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗗𝗢𝗢𝗥 𝗶𝗻-𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 (𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁).
In accordance with the government Guidance of Reopening businesses and Venues in England Step 3: 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗢𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗗 at any type of venue before 17th May (which might be extended until Sept). This has also been clarified by the local authority and environmental health.
In person sessions will be outside across 2 different locations with the NEW CAVEAT that all students are to wear masks when in attendance along with following social distancing. This will be strictly adhered to at all times.
This is in addition to the current term that any in-person sessions automatically revert to Zoom in the event of adverse weather.
WHEN FACE TO FACE RESUMES: Priority will be given to students currenly commited to change to convert Zoom sessions to face-to-face where it is reasonable to do so. New students will not be taken on until all current students have been allocated their sessions. ALL sessions will require social distancing, face masks and are subject to inclement weather at all times, non-negotiable. Anyone that breaches these points will have their service cancelled without refund.
UPDATE 5th JAN 2021: As of 5th January 2021 face to face sessions are not proceeding due to the dramatic increase in Coronavirus cases within East Anglia. Read below for more details.
GROUP CLASSES
ONLINE AND LIVE IN PERSON
Classes will be delivered online and LIVE during the thirs lockdown as group gatherings are not allowed.
Why aren't classes at St.Olaves? St.Olaves village hall is closed until 2021.
ONLINE & LIVE CLASSES
1-2-1 TRAINING & BEHAVIOUR
Current guidance states: only one-to-one training outdoors is allowed, where this is necessary for the dog’s welfare. Behaviourists should wherever possible work remotely using technology. However, the government do not deem owners travelling as 'essential. With this guidance and the vastly increasing infection rate ALL sessions are delivered via Zoom. This DOES NOT detract at all from the quality or content of help you receive infact there are additional benefits.
Sessions are also still available online and live via Virtual Coaching find out more by CLICKING HERE.
Home Visits: Suspended for the fore see-able future
CAN I HAVE A HOME VISIT?
Currently this is not possible, home visits are only allowed by 'essential workers' such as tradesman for emergency visits. Dog training and behaviour is not classed as an emergency under government guidelines for working in people's homes. Therefore, requests for a home visit will be denied at this time so please do not take offence. As an alternative you can travel for your session (avoiding a travel fee) or have an online and live in-home Zoom session.
Zoom Meeting
All owners are being asked to go over to Zoom and register for a FREE ACCOUNT. CLICK HERE!
Services are via Zoom in the event of extreme weather (heat, thunder, lightening, heavy rain, strong winds, snow) Classes will be delivered at the normal time / the time you are signed up to. Members of PPDTC please access you private webpage HERE for some further instructions.
I need your help
Like many other small businesses this is a very worrying time but you can help by continuing your support. It will require some creativity and give and take whilst I attempt to deliver you the best training service I possibly can without compromising on quality.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Please keep communication open, if I message you and ask for a reply then please do this is VIP to the running of Pooch Paws.If you owe subs then please remember to pay, some may feel like they will contact me in a month or two to get back into training..........I may not still be trading in a month or two if everyone follows the same method.
Be honest. I know this is a difficult time, we are all in the same boat, and I am also in the 'vulnerable' category so have my health as well as my business to consider.Help spread the #StayatHomeandTrain message to get others on board. Have you seen the members area? Please go over and take a look. Also please remember to follow Pooch Paws on social media and share as many posts as you can especially regarding the members area. This will be a really great asset in the coming weeks / months. Dog's still need entertainment, enrichment and training.
PREVENT YOUR DOG DEVELOPING BEHAVIOUR ISSUES DURING THIS TIME AND CARRY ON TRAINING
What happens to my session if I have to self-isolate?
Please ensure you inform Pooch Paws & Katey Aldred if you have been told to self-isolate or are being tested for the virus so a statement can be issued to other owners.
1-2-1 services: Your session will be via virtual coaching using Skype / Zoom meeting which will operate in real time for the session duration you were booked in, either 1hr or 1.5 hr. This will occur at the time your session should have taken place. If your session is on a Saturday it might be moved if Pooch Paws DTC is still operating, you will be contacted with an alternative date and time.
Classes: you will be offered the same service but at a reduced time of 15-minutes to go over content. Usually classes are non-refundable so this time will be used to guide you on the homework tasks you will miss for that week. Online classes are recorded so you will be able to watch back the session you have missed.
What happens if the instructor has to self-isolate or is ill?
Self Isolation:
Services will be offered via Zoom meeting, Skype or video call.Illness:
Services will be offered via Zoom meeting, Skype or video call OR rescheduled dependant on the level of illness.Hopefully this will not happen as it will have a very significant impact on the business.
It is imperative that all clients remain vigilant and thoughtful during this time to minimise disruption. The impact on small business during this virus could have very detrimental effects.
How can you help?
The future of the business relies on continued owner support in what will be the toughest year since being established in 2005. I hope Pooch Paws will still be trading after this pandemic with your support there is more hope that it will go on to celebrate a 16th year in business.
PLEASE:
Keep visiting the social pages hitting like, resharing and commenting as this is a MASSIVE help
Where you are able please continue to support this small business
Keep checking your emails and phones to keep communication open
Follow advise and read any communication you are sent
If you have any questions please get in touch and also please use the resources provided within this post.
Thank you for your co-operation, Katey & the Pooch Paws Team.
Further Information on Coronavirus
NHS Advise on Coronavirus CLICK HERE
UK Goverment Response to Coronavirus CLICK HERE
