Last Updated: 20/09/2021
Our doors are open
At PETstock we pride ourselves on supporting pet parents in giving the best care they can for their pets, and in these challenging times, we think it’s important to share relevant and important information about the COVID-19 situation.
Together with the latest geographical updates, we’ve put together the below FAQs in the hope to answer some of the many questions we are receiving from around the country from worried pet parents.
Should you have any additional concerns about the COVID-19 specifically we suggest you call:
AUS Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080
The following restrictions are now in place across our store network
LGAs of concern refers to stores within the declared NSW Local Government Areas of concern – currently this affects our Campbelltown, Enfield, Marsden Park and Milperra stores.
** Selected Regional Stores refers to stores in areas of Regional NSW not in lockdown – currently our Wagga Wagga, Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Ballina stores.
*** Lockdown sites refers to sites in declared Victorian lockdown zones – currently those in Greater Metropolitan Melbourne, plus the City of Ballarat, City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast and Mitchell Shire local government areas.
^ The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has advised that pet grooming is allowed for animal welfare reasons, under the current Health Orders in NSW. We encourage customers to visit the DPI website for clarification.
^^ The Victorian Government has advised that pet grooming is allowed by Authorised Providers under the current Health Orders, in situations where failure to provide the service would create an animal welfare issue. We encourage customers to visit the Vic Gov Coronavirus Website for clarification.
The health and wellbeing of your pet is still the number one priority at PETstock Vet and you can rely on us to continue to provide the pet in your life with the vet care they need. We understand you will be concerned about their welfare should you have to self-isolate or are unable to physically visit a vet. While our PETstock Vet clinics will remain open, our PETstock Vet Chat service is also available to all pet owners via text or video chat. Simply visit www.petstock.com.au/vet/chat. PETstock Vet Chat service
Our stores are following government health recommendations
Our team, our customers and all pets are the primary concern for us here at PETstock. Our store, grooming and vet staff have received detailed hygiene information and have been directed to follow this advice. They are practising social distancing in the workplace within the team and with customers, are all wearing face masks where required in line with government advice, and understand they are to remain home if they feel unwell. We continually monitor government health recommendations and requirements and will review and update operational procedures to ensure, as far as practicably possible, stores can continue to safely operate in this unprecedented environment.
FAQs
Can my pet be infected with the COVID-19 virus?
Currently, there is limited evidence that companion animals can get infected with COVID-19 and no evidence they can pass it to humans.
As a precaution, if you have contracted COVID-19, try to have your pet cared for by another member of your household and avoid kissing and snuggling with your pet and don’t share food. Until more information is known, avoid contact with unfamiliar animals and always practice good hygiene washing hands before and after the interaction.
If you have further questions, please reference the latest Government news
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
Or 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
What can I do to best protect myself and my pet?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) website is an excellent resource with regards to general hygiene advice and recommendations, which we have summarised below:
- Frequently and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water
- When coughing and sneezing cover your mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw the tissue away immediately and wash your hands
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Avoid close contact for you and your pet with anyone who has a fever or cough
- Avoid greetings that include physical contact e.g. handshakes, high-fives
- If you are unwell, remain at home and follow the guidelines provided by the WHO
What is PETstock doing in stores to support its team members and customers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak?
PETstock is supporting its team members and customers by ensuring all store and vet staff have received hygiene information and have been directed to follow this advice.
We are continuing to monitor government health recommendations and requirements and have reviewed and updated operational procedures were required to ensure stores can continue to operate at the highest standards in this unprecedented environment. Specifically, we are:
- Providing information sheets to stores and clinics – Coronavirus and Hygiene
- Providing informative posters for all sites
- Providing travel warning updates and implementing restrictions to company travel
- All international travel has been postponed
- Anyone arriving back into Australia or New Zealand as per government advice must self-isolate for 14 days
- All non-essential, non-business critical domestic travel is being reconsidered in consultation with management
- Monitoring the situation daily and making sure the business is fully prepared to react to any suspected and/or confirmed cases
What happens if there is a COVID-19 case in my local store?
If one of our team members is confirmed with COVID-19, we will let you know immediately. In this instance, we will close the store and follow the most recent Government / WHO protocols until we are given the approval to reopen by the Department of Health.
Will my local PETstock Vet still be able to see my pet?
We understand customers will be concerned about the welfare of their pets should they have to self-isolate or are unable to physically visit a vet. PETstock Vet hospitals will still treat your pet if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 – customers can call 13 PETS for more information.
Alternatively, you can text or video chat with a veterinarian in Australia 24 hours a day seven days a week from the comfort of your own home on our PETstock Vet Chat service https://www.petstock.com.au/vet/chat.
Can I still pay for my purchase with cash?
With the health and safety of our team and customers our number one priority, we encourage customers to use the contactless payment options available, including EFTPOS, Zip, Afterpay and gift cards.
Will the supply of product be impacted?
We are working with all supply partners to ensure we keep our shelves stocked with essential items for all pets. Despite increased demand on some items we are working hard to ensure we have stock available at all times. Customers are encouraged to search online if you can’t find the item you need in-store. Item limits may apply.
Can I still order my pet needs online?
PETstock offers a delivery service and this is available to any pet parents unable to shop in-store. Visit https://www.petstock.com.au/
If you are self-isolating when placing your order please select authority to leave when advising on your preferred shipping method.
15 minute Click and Collect orders are great but I don’t feel comfortable entering the store. Do I need to enter the store to complete a Click and Collect transaction?
PETstock offers a convenient and free Click and Collect order service where you can browse and select online and collect in-store. From the moment the order is placed, we’ll have it ready for collection within 15 minutes. If you are not comfortable entering the store, you can call the store upon arrival and we will bring the order out to the car for you. Visit https://www.petstock.com.au/
Are Grooming Salons open and Puppy School classes still running?
Yes, PETstock’s services are available. To discuss any localised restrictions, to check availability or make a booking, please call your nearest store or visit www.petstock.com.au.
Can I still use the DIY dog wash service?
Yes! You can still keep your buddy squeaky clean in our DIY Dog Wash although we do ask that you adhere to the following guidelines:
- Please speak to a team member prior to use
- No more than one person in the Dog Wash bay at a time.
- Please observe 1.5m social distancing
- Gloves will be provided and, in some locations, must be worn as a condition of use.
We are also completing additional cleaning of our dog wash facilities for everyone’s safety.