(WOAY) – PetSmart has increased the frequency of cleanings, and are providing supplemental supplies to their store teams, due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The following is a press release from the company:
“Dear friends & family,
We understand the growing concern surrounding coronavirus (COVID-19) across our communities, and our hearts go out to all those who’ve been impacted. As pet parents, we understand you may have specific questions about how to keep your pets and families safe, and we are here to support you every step of the way. PetSmart is working around the clock to ensure we’re able to provide the products and services you need, and to keep our customers, our associates, and the pets we love healthy and safe.
We love pets, and we’re passionate about the care we provide to them in our stores and throughout their lives. This means that every day, as part of our regular operations, our stores are cleaned and sanitized. Recently, we’ve increased the frequency of cleanings, and are providing supplemental supplies to our store teams. As always, we provide hand sanitizer throughout all our stores for customers and associates, and we work closely with our teams to ensure that anyone who is not feeling well understands that we support them staying home.
We will continue to refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and other public health agencies to determine the safest course of action for everyone who enters our stores.
We’re taking additional steps to keep pets and people safe in our Grooming Salons, PetsHotels and Doggie Day Camps. Our associates follow regular cleaning practices using a disinfectant formulated to kill coronavirus, among other germs. Plus, we’ll continue to follow the steps below:
- Cleaning and disinfecting all grooming tables, kennels, water/food bowls, Doggie Day Camp toys and grooming tools between every pet service
- Sanitizing and cleaning all surfaces and playrooms every night
- Changing air filters every week to maintain clean, healthy air in our Grooming Salons
This situation continues to evolve quickly, and we will be monitoring it closely. Based on current guidance and our own standards and practices, we remain open for business and are committed to providing an outstanding experience for you and your pets.
To date, there is no evidence that companion animals or pets can spread COVID-19 (per CDC guidance). For the latest information about coronavirus and pets, we encourage you to visit the links below:
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#animals
- https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-
2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters At PetSmart, everything we do is with a heartfelt commitment to bringing pets and people closer together. It’s our honor and privilege to serve you, particularly during challenging times, and we thank you for being at the heart of what we do.
Sincerely yours,
J.K. Symancyk
CEO, PetSmart”