Important COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 is affecting us all and we are all in this together. The goal for all of us is to protect those who are the most vulnerable from exposure to carriers of COVID-19. We want to do our part to help slow the progression of COVID-19 in our area.

March 19, 2020 – 8:30m

These past few days have been a very trying and stressful time for everyone. There a lots of unanswered questions and many unknowns. We would like to take a moment to let you know we are here for you.
As of March 19, 2020, at 11:59 p.m., the Sacramento County Health Officer is directing all individuals living in the county to stay at their place of residence except for essential activities. The legal order is based on the same directives of social distancing issued this week to slow the transmission of the disease, but it provides more detail and enforcement ability. The legal order limits activity, travel and business functions to only the most essential needs and is intended to protect those most vulnerable to the disease, slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, and preserve local healthcare capacity.
Our dog care businesses work as an essential service for many of our customers both human, canine, and feline. In our daycare and boarding, we are currently caring for the pets of many healthcare professionals, essential service workers, and people unable to return home from travel. We are letting all of our clients know….WE ARE OPEN.

We have taken tremendous care to prepare our staff and our facilities to be ready for this moment. We have consulted with healthcare professionals and CDC guidelines to operate with an abundance of caution to provide a continued safe experience for our staff, our clients, and our animal guests.

For the doctors and nurses out there working 16 hour shifts, for the grocery and pharmacy workers managing the flow of our food and medicine, and for all other essential service workers…we are here for you. There have been several dog daycare and boarding facilities that have closed down in the last few days. Please let friends and family know we are gladly accepting new clients for any essential service workers at this time.

Stay safe. Care for yourself, your family and your neighbors. We are here for your pets if you need us.

March 18, 2020 – 6:00am

Following the example of other major metropolitan areas, Sacramento County health officials have issued a directive for the public. Read more here. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19

Open for business

The directive lays out guidelines for the public and businesses to follow in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. We have limited our workplace to only the minimal essential staff to care for your pets. The directive also states the lower risk populations to stay home to the maximum extent possible. For some people, having someone care for their pet is a necessity that allows them to work. Without this care, some pet owners may not be able to perform their work duties. Therefore, we will remain open in order to provide pet care to those working in the essential services.

Social Distancing

In following this directive and to protect you, the Animal Den will begin offering curbside pickup and drop off for all clients effective immediately. Simply call our customer service number 916-456-4720 and tell us you have arrived. We will come out to your vehicle in protective wear to receive or deliver your pet.

AVMA Recommendations

In following recommendations of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), we are still prepared to handle caring for your pet if you or someone in your house becomes infected with COVID-19. With so many unknowns about the virus, we believe the public cannot be too careful.

March 14, 2020 – 5:00pm

Hello customers and friends,

In light of the current state of affairs, we felt it important to reach out to you and update you on a few important aspects pertinent to pet owners regarding COVID-19, as well as plans we have already put into place at the Animal Den.

Although this whole situation is all a bit surreal, we are keeping our heads level and making appropriate adjustments and plans. Luckily we are still surrounded by our furry friends who know not of the situation and keep us smiling!

First, we want to assure you that in addition to our already stringent cleaning protocols, we have intensified our efforts to disinfect all areas of our facility, particularly those frequented by either our team, or you, our customer. Our team is well aware of the high risks of contagion of COVID-19, and has instructions to stay home if any symptoms arise.

Regarding our canine and feline guests, we have read through the detailed information distributed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) on March 12. Here are a few important highlights:

“Currently, there is no evidence that pets can become sick. Infectious disease experts, as well as the CDC, OIE, and WHO indicate there is no evidence to suggest that pet dogs or cats can be a source of infection with SARS-CoV-2, including spreading COVID-19 to people.” Whew!
If you become infected with the virus, it is suggested, out of “an abundance of caution” that you limit contact with your animals until more is known about the virus. That includes kisses. Yikes!
In preparation for the possibility of someone in the house becoming sick, the AVMA is suggesting to have a contingency plan for your pet’s care. Identify another person (or boarding facility!) “who is willing and able to care for your pet”. The AVMA also suggests you have an emergency kit prepared, with at least two weeks’ worth of your pet’s food and any needed medications.

We truly want to do our part to support our community that we love. Given the situation and the AVMA recommendations, we are preparing to care for the increased need for safe (and fun!) housing for local pets. We have stocked up on food and are prepared to take on extra dogs. We strongly suggest if you haven’t already, to set up an account using our customer portal, ensuring all vaccines are current and uploaded as well. This will streamline the process if immediate boarding is necessary. We welcome new guests, so please share this information with friends and loved ones so they too can be prepared in the event of illness.
Please contact us if you have any additional questions, and as always, we appreciate your trust in us!
The Animal Den Team