Pet shops can stay open for ‘emergency supplies’

Pet shops are allowed to open under the restrictions introduced by the Government yesterday (23 March) for the sale of “essential items only”.

 According to guidance on gov.uk, these are the shops that can remain open: supermarkets and other food shops, health shops, pharmacies including non-dispensing pharmacies and pet shops amongst corner shops, newsagents, post offices and banks.

 It said it is “of course up to each individual business as to whether you stay open to the public. 

“You know your personal circumstances and those of your staff and how practical it is to stay operating some kind of service within your premises to enable your customers to get essential supplies for their animals, like food and medicines/treatments.”

 The advice given included, shops must stop selling livestock immediately (unless there is a very good animal welfare reason) as they are not considered an essential item. Limiting sales to food or other essential supplies such as medicines/treatments or replacement kit that has broken down.

It said: “If you decide to close to the public totally we believe you can still travel to your shop to look after the animals under your care. You should carry some kind of proof of where you work to explain to officials should you be asked.”