State Reopenings and Status of Pet Care Services
The following chart provides information on COVID-19 shelter in place/closure orders with respect to rules impacting access to pet care, supplies, and services. This document will be updated to reflect changing circumstances as new information becomes available.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many states are shutting down all but what they deem to be essential services and businesses. This can impact dog owners and breeders in a wide variety of ways, including but not limited to: the ability to obtain sufficient, proper food and supplies and ensuring that animal owners can travel if necessary to care for their animals. Additionally, we are urging consideration for essential employees such as health care workers so they do not lose options for kenneling or pet care at a time when they may be required to work long or unscheduled hours.
Please visit AKC legislative alerts (www.akcgr.org) to view some of the actions we’ve taken and to learn what you can do to help.
| States with Shelter in Place and Non-Essential Business Closure | State Reopenings and Status of Pet Care Services | State Directive |
| Alabama | Effective April 30, at 5:00pm, certain businesses may reopen subject to social distancing and Safer At Home provisions. Additional local restrictions may apply. Pet stores and veterinarians are excluded from the list of non-essential businesses. Business FAQ , including groomer information. Personal FAQ . | Link |
| Alaska | Phase 3 of reopening will begin on May 22. This means all businesses and recreational activities are permitted. Larger gatherings with non-household members are also permitted. It is considered the responsibility of individuals conducting activities to have a mitigation plan and comply with guidelines to ensure safety. Individual cities may enact stricter guidelines and restrictions. More details may be found at https://covid19.alaska.gov/reopen/ | Link |
| Arizona | As of May 16, more businesses may open in Arizona in a limited capacity, so long as certain protocols are followed. In addition, the mandatory 2-week quarantine for all entering Arizona from certain high-risk areas has been repealed. Any public gatherings where social distancing cannot be observed should still be avoided unless CDC and other protocols can be implemented. Visit the governor’s website for more information. https://azgovernor.gov/governor/reopening-guidance |
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| Arkansas | Additional limited non-essential business closures are in effect April 6; however, at this time mandated closures do not affect pet-related businesses or veterinarians. Six-foot social distancing orders remain in place, including in businesses. Private and public gatherings outside the household are limited to 10 people. | Link |
| California | As of May 8, the first phase of “Stage 2” was implemented, meaning that businesses were permitted to open for curbside pickup, etc. Veterinary appointments are permitted if a dog is sick, with 6 feet of social distancing required. Essential businesses as defined may continue to operate. These include those employed in the support of veterinary hospitals and clinics, workers at animal care facilities that provide food, shelter, veterinary and/or routine care and other necessities of life for animals. State parks and public lands remain closed. Unless running essential errands, residents are encouraged to stay home. Please add the following sentence: Pet grooming and other businesses are permitted to open in Los Angeles, provided customers do not enter the building. Individual counties are permitted to open on a limited basis, depending on the number of positive COVID tests within the past two weeks. https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/ | Link Link |
| Colorado | – Colorado’s re-opening plan has begun in a limited capacity. Counties are permitted to institute their own, more restrictive orders. As of May 4, non-critical commercial businesses could begin operations with 50% of their employees and some customers, in accordance with social distancing requirements. Gatherings are still limited to 10 people. https://covid19.colorado.gov/safer-at-home |
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| Connecticut | As of May 20 retail establishments and offices can resume in-person operations following specific sector rules issued by the Governor. Details of requirements and phasing in of operations can be found here. | |
| Delaware | Governor John Carney has announced that June 1 is the target date for Phase 1 reopening. In order to prepare for Phase 1, Governor Carney announced an interim plan. To find the latest updated information visit: https://governor.delaware.gov/. | Link |
| Florida | Certain retail businesses located throughout most of the state may begin reopening on May 4, subject to 25% occupancy limitations and safety guidelines provided by the CDC and OSHA. Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties continue to be subject to essential services restrictions. Pet supply stores, veterinarians, and pet boarding facilities are considered essential services. Essential Services List | Link |
| Georgia | Restrictions on certain businesses are eased effective 4/24/20. Veterinarians, pet supply stores, groomers, and other pet-related businesses should comply with measures which mitigate the exposure and spread of COVID-19 as provided in Executive Order 4.20.20.01. For information: Candice.broce@georgia.gov. | Link Link |
| Hawaii | Stay-at-home order extended to May 31. Some businesses, including pet groomers, were allowed to reopen in certain parts of the state on May 7. | |
| Idaho | Stage 2 of the reopening plan is in place as of May 16. Businesses are still encouraged to stagger employees in the place of business and encourage working from home when possible. Businesses that are opening must limit the number of customers in the building at a time. Additional guidelines have been issued for agriculture industry employees. Gatherings are limited to 10 people. https://rebound.idaho.gov/stages-of-reopening/ | |
| Illinois | A modified stay-at-home order is in effect through the end of May. This allows businesses such as dog grooming to re-open. Other businesses that have not yet been deemed essential may operate via telephone and online and do outside pickup and delivery services. Some state parks and land are reopened, with strict social distancing guidelines. For more information on permitted outdoor activities, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. View more details on the modified stay at home order. | |
| Indiana | The state has outlined a 5-stage plan. Stage two began May 4, except in Lake, Cass, and Marion Counties. Under stage 2, gatherings of up to 25 people may be held, so long as social distancing is practiced. Businesses may operate at 50 percent capacity. Individual cities and counties may implement separate orders. View all stages on the Back on Track Indiana website. Further reopening could occur on May 24. | Link |
| Iowa | As of May 15, restrictions were lifted for some non-essential businesses. However, all gatherings of more than 10 people are still prohibited until at least May 27. | Link Link |
| Kansas | The state enters a modified version of its Phase 2 opening on May 22. This means the majority of businesses are allowed to reopen, and gatherings of up to 25 people are permitted. Visit the Kansas governor’s website for the latest information.View all phases on the Kansas COVID-19 website. https://governor.kansas.gov/governor-kelly-moves-kansas-into-modified-phase-2/ | Link |
| Kentucky | Governor Beshear announced tentative plans to begin a phased reopening of businesses beginning May 11. Veterinarians and life-sustaining retail, including pet and pet supply stores, remain exempt from current shutdown orders. FAQ and Compliance Questions. Reopening information. | |
| Louisiana | The stay at home order is extended through May 15. Businesses previously directed to close will remain closed. Veterinarians and pet supply stores are exempt. Certain non-essential retail businesses may open with fewer than 10 people inside. FAQ . Critical Infrastructure Examples. | Link |
| Maine | Governor Mills announced April 28, 2020 her plan to reopen the State, which establishes four gradual stages of reopening, the first of which begins May 1st. The stages focus not on essential v. non-essential designations like those used to originally limit business operations and activities, but on the ability of a business to operate or an activity to occur in a manner that protects public health and safety. She also is extending the State’s stay-at-home order in the form of a new “Stay Safer at Home” Executive Order. The new Order continues to have Maine people stay at home with limited exceptions for already permitted activities, such as grocery shopping or exercising. However, the new Stay Safer at Home Order will also allow Maine people to visit businesses or participate in activities that are deemed safe to open under Stage 1 of the reopening plan. The Order will extend through May 31, 2020 but is subject to change. | |
| Maryland | Governor announced that Stage One of the ‘Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery’ took effect on May 15, with the state moving from a Stay at Home order to a Safer at Home public health advisory, and gradual reopening of retail, manufacturing, houses of worship, and some personal services. Stage One is being implemented with a flexible, community-based approach that empowers individual jurisdictions to make decisions regarding the timing of reopening. Through a new interactive map on governor.maryland.gov/recovery, Marylanders will be able to see which counties are implementing Stage One of the ‘Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery,’ which are partially implementing Stage One guidance, and which counties remain closed. To find the latest updated information visit: https://governor.maryland.gov. | Link |
| Massachusetts | Governor Baker announced a four phase re-opening plan for the state on May 18, 2020. Construction and manufacturing business can join essential businesses in opening their doors. On May 25, 2020 additional services such as dog grooming will be available. For details, visit the state’s reopening website. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts | Link |
| Michigan | The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued a new order on May 19 that reiterates that several restrictions – including on activities not needed to sustain or protect life, places of public accommodation – must remain in place. People may leave their homes for essential purposes, including tasks necessary for the health and safety of pets. | Link |
| Minnesota | Stay-at-home order expired on May 17. Employees in certain agriculture, industrial, and office settings were allowed to return to work starting April 27. Retail businesses allowed to reopen at 50% capacity. | Link |
| Mississippi | Safer In Place provisions are in place April 27 through May 11 at 8:00 a.m. Business restrictions have been eased to allow retail sales by non-essential businesses and operations, limited to drive-thru, curbside, and/or delivery services, provided that such non-essential businesses and operations implement precautions including 6-foot social distancing, no gatherings of more than 10 people, and proper handwashing and hygiene. Veterinarians are designated as essential businesses. The Governor’s office advised AKC that pet supply stores and boarding kennels may continue operating. Grooming businesses are considered non-essential. FAQ | Link |
| Missouri | A modified stay-at-home order is in effect through May 31. Businesses may be open at a limited capacity, so long as social distancing and other requirements are met, including in lobbies and waiting areas. Fraternal organizations may meet, so long as social distancing and seating requirements are met. In addition, the Missouri state of emergency will remain in effect until June 15 in order to provide flexibility in resources and also in implementing the over 400 statutes and regulations that have been suspended at this time. | Link Link |
| Montana | Montana has established a multi-phased approach to re-opening. In the first phase, which is currently in effect, businesses may open so long as social distancing may be maintained – including interaction with customers and waiting rooms/lobbies. Gatherings are limited to 10 people, with social distancing guidelines in place. | Link |
| Nebraska | Nebraska is still urging everyone to stay home, but some restrictions are being lifted based on regions of the state. There are 19 separate Direct Health Measures (DHMs), one for each local health department, which will be in effect through May 31. Visit the governor’s website for more information. https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/steps-get-nebraska-growing | LinkLink |
| Nevada | Certain businesses are being permitted to open on a limited basis. All employees must wear face masks, and customers should be encouraged to do the same. Employers should limit the number of employees in the business at one time. All gatherings of more than 10 people in any area are still prohibited. | Link |
| New Hampshire | In compliance with universal guidelines, youth sports and child care were provided new, flexed guidance to operate under on May 22, 2020. The following industries have also been provided new, flexed guidance to operate under starting June 1st, Acupuncture, Beaches, Body Art, Cosmetology, Health and Fitness and Massage. Details are here. | |
| New Jersey | Stay-at-home order in effect since March 21, set to expire June 5. | Link |
| New Mexico | The state’s emergency health order has been extended through May 31. As of May 16, non-essential businesses may open at 25% capacity, so long as they comply with certain protocols. Some parks and outdoor recreational activities will be permitted, in compliance with guidelines that will be provided. Gatherings of more than 5 people are still prohibited, and a quarantine is required for anyone entering New Mexico by airplane from certain areas. Visit the governor’s website for the latest information. | Link Link |
| New York | The “New York on PAUSE” plan has been extended until June for many areas in the state, including New York City. Five regions: the Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, the Southern Tier, and the North Country are permitted to re-open some businesses in accordance with “Phase one” of the state’s reopening plan. All regions are still prohibited from organizing any events that would bring in a large number of visitors from outside the area. https://forward.ny.gov/ |
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| North Carolina | The state will enter Phase 2 of reopening on May 22 at 5pm. This means more retail and services may open at 50 percent capacity. More retail and service industry businesses may open at 50 percent capacity, when complying with certain guidelines. Gatherings of up to 25 people are permitted outdoors, so long as social distancing and other provisions are complied with. View more information on the state’s COVID-19 information page. https://www.nc.gov/covid-19/staying-ahead-curve/phase-2-faqs |
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| North Dakota | Restrictions on certain businesses lifted on May 1. | |
| Ohio | Health procedures, including veterinary visits, are permitted as of May 1, so long as social distancing and other protocols are used. Other businesses must remain closed under current protocols. All indoor facilities, recreational centers, etc., remain closed, and public gatherings are still prohibited. Detailed information may be found at the Responsible Restart Ohio website. | Link |
| Oklahoma | The state has entered phase 2 of its reopening plan, as of May 15. While residents may begin considering non-essential travel, they are to avoid gatherings where appropriate social distancing is not readily allowed. Organized sporting events are permitted under proper social distancing and sanitation protocols. Residents and businesses are encouraged to check with local authorities on any additional local guidelines and restrictions. Specific guidelines for businesses, including pet grooming and care, may be found on the Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s website. | Link Link |
| Oregon | Governor has extended stay at home order through July 6. Pet Supply and Pet Care services are exempt from the shutdown. Click on the link for more information on essential services. | Link |
| Pennsylvania | Governor Wolf announced a phased re-opening started May 8 with 24 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties moving to the yellow phase. On May 15, 13 additional counties moved to the yellow phase. On Friday, May 22, 12 additional counties will move to the yellow phase leaving 18 counties remaining in the red phase. An interactive map showing which counties are open can be found here: https://infogram.com/1p5lpdv07x7z16uprwjvywjn7xc33kqlz0q. To find the latest updated information visit: https://www.governor.pa.gov/. | Link |
| Rhode Island | The State has a website with detailed information on its phased in re-opening, which the Governor expects will begin with Phase I on May 9th | Link |
| South Carolina | Stay at home orders are lifted. Restrictions on businesses and restaurants have been eased, subject to safety and social distancing requirements. | Link Link |
| South Dakota | No stay-at-home order issued. “Back to normal” plan offers guidelines for businesses to reopen if the surrounding area sees a downward trend in cases for 14 days. | |
| Tennessee | Retailers in 89 counties may begin opening at 50% capacity on April 30 under Retail Industry Guidelines. Davidson, Shelby, Hamilton, Knox, Sullivan and Madison Counties are not included in the state reopening plan. These counties will individually determine reopening timelines. | Link |
| Texas | All retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and malls were permitted to reopen on May 1 with limited capacity. | Link |
| Utah | As of May 16, the majority of cities and counties in Utah are now in the “yellow” low-risk phase of reopening. The exceptions are Salt Lake City, Magna, and West Valley City, along with Grand, Summit, and Wasatch Counties, which are still in the “orange” moderate risk phase. All businesses may be open under the “yellow” phase, but must exercise caution in returning employees to the workplace. Gatherings of up to 50 are permitted, so long as proper social distancing guidelines are followed. Those in the orange phase are limited to gatherings of 20 or fewer, and employees should continue to work remotely if possible. Specific information for the yellow and orange phases may be found onlin | Link Link Link |
| Vermont | Governor Scott authorized restaurants and bars to reopen for limited outdoor seating on May 22, 2020. Effective May 29th, hair salons and barber shops may reopen by appointment with limits on occupancy and with safety standards implemented. For details go to the Governor’s announcement. | Link Link |
| Virginia | : Governor Northam announced that Virginia will move into Phase One of the “Forward Virginia” plan on Friday, May 15, with the exception of certain localities in Northern Virginia. The administration and officials from those localities plan to delay entering Phase One for an additional two weeks, as the region has roughly half of the positive COVID-19 cases in the Commonwealth. The localities in Northern Virginia will delay entering Phase One until midnight on Thursday, May 28. Additionally, Accomack County and the City of Richmond will delay enter to Phase One to no earlier than midnight on Thursday, May 28. To find the latest updated information visit: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/ | Link |
| Washington | The state has entered Phase One of its reopening plan, but many restrictions are still in place. Businesses may operate, so long as they meet all the guidelines outlined by the state. All gatherings are still prohibited, whether in a public or private setting. Some outdoor recreation activities are permitted, following specific guidelines. | Link Link Link |
| West Virginia | Re-opening in West Virginia is being done in phases based on what Governor Justice calls “The Comeback” plan. Week one began on April 30 and allowed for the resumption of all elective medical procedures and other healthcare providers to reopen as well as daycares with restricts. Week two which began May 4 allowed for small businesses with proper PPE to reopen. Including in the Week two reopening were hair and nail salons, barber shops, etc. which could open their doors by appointment only and masks required to be worn by both employees and customers. Outdoor dining at restaurants also were also included as were church services and funerals with a limited gathering size and proper PPE. The phase is Week three which started on May 11. During the Week 3 phase of reopening, wellness facilities like gyms and fitness centers that are supervised by licensed professionals are permitted to resume operations, if they follow all additional safety guidelines. Also, drive-in movie theaters are allowed to reopen, provided that they follow all additional safety guidelines. Outdoor guided fishing is now permitted under strict limitations as is rock climbing services with limitations in place.Week four will not start until May 21 at the earliest to allow time to determine how reopening is progressing. Among the entities permitted to reopen with limitations will be indoor dining at restaurants at 50% capacity, large/specialty retail stores, and State park campgrounds for in-state residents only. The executive order requiring out-of-state travelers to self-quarantine is also currently scheduled to be lifted during Week 4. In accordance with this scheduled change, new guidance documents will be made available for hotels, motels, condo hotels, rental properties, and cabins.While the plan was originally based on a six-week schedule, there are currently no effective dates set for weeks 5 and 6. To find the latest updated information visit: https://governor.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx | Link |
| Wisconsin | The current stay at home order is in place until May 26, 2020. A phased approach to re-opening has been provided, which will begin with allowing gatherings of up to 10 people and lessening of some business restrictions. Phase 2, among other provisions, will allow gatherings of up to 50 people with social distancing guidelines, and phase 3 will allow all normal operations and gatherings to resume. It will be up to the state health department to determine when it is appropriate to advance to each phase. Read more. | Link |
| Wyoming | The state has slightly lifted some restrictions as of May 15. Gatherings of up to 25 people are now permitted. Businesses may have more than 25 people, so long as the facility is of a size that people can remain within 6 feet of each other. Gatherings should follow CDC and Wyoming Department of Health guidelines. County variances may be more or less restrictive than the statewide orders. More information may be found on the governor’s website. https://covid19.wyo.gov/governors-orders |
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Posted by chesliepickett
on May 27 2020. Filed under Breaking News.
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