Ontario reopens pet grooming services under strict guidelines

The Ontario government has reopened pet grooming services under strict guidelines.

Effective Thursday, pet grooming services reopened across Ontario, provincial officials confirmed to Daily Hive.

“The government is providing clarity regarding pet grooming through an amendment to O.Reg 82/20 Rules for Areas in Stage 1, which takes effect today,” the province said.

This clarifies that pet grooming businesses can open if they:

1. Are strictly necessary to prevent an animal from requiring foreseeable and reasonably imminent veterinary care; or
2. Are providing services that an animal owner has been required to obtain pursuant to an order issued under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019.

The amendment also clarifies that pet grooming businesses may only open to provide the above-noted services if:

1. They only provide the services by appointment.
2. They permit only one appointment for one animal at a time. 
3. They are provided through curbside pickup and drop-off of the animal.

The news will be a relief for some as a community petition was signed by over 15,000 people to reopen these services for animal health.

It stated, “many animals can develop major health issues from lack of maintenance to their coat and nails. For dogs and cats, nail trimming needs to be done every 2-4 weeks to maintain a healthy length that does not impede their joints or gait. If left for longer than 2-4 weeks, nails can become ingrown or can shatter, leading to bleeding and infected paws. This creates an added pressure on the veterinary practices that are only providing essential emergency care. We have known animals to be turned away by vets for such ‘non-emergent care,’ with vets stating that their college does not allow them to help pets with these ‘minor health issues.’”

Now by appointment only, if meeting the provincial guidelines, it looks like your pets can receive some grooming and care.