State Reopenings and Status of Pet Care Services
AKC Legislative Alert – Updated May 11, 2020
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 2 began on May 8. This means that businesses may reopen at 50 percent capacity, so long as certain guidelines are met and masks are worn. Also, gatherings of up to 50 people are permitted as long as a mitigation plan is implemented and other criteria are met. More details may be found at https://covid19.alaska.gov/reopen/ | Link |
| Arizona | Stay at home order extended until May 15; however, in-person business operations may begin on May 8, so long as specific social distancing and sanitation measures are implemented. | Link |
| 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 | California residents are under one of the more restrictive stay-at-home orders in the nation. Its list of essential workers includes 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. 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. State parks and public lands remain closed. | Link Link |
| Colorado | Colorado’s re-opening plan has begun in a limited capacity. Counties are permitted to institute their own, more restrictive orders. On May 4, non-critical commercial businesses may begin operations with 50% of their employees and some customers, in accordance with social distancing requirements. Gatherings are still limited to 10 people | |
| Connecticut | Governor Ned Lamont announced a four-stage plan to reopen the state’s economy on April 30th, as New York’s tri-state area is beginning to see some progress in overall coronavirus numbers. The plan’s first stage allows for the reopening of retailers, offices, hair salons, outdoor restaurants and outdoor recreation facilities by May 20. Details of the plan can be viewed here. | |
| Delaware | According to Governor John Carney, Delaware is not ready to begin the process of re-opening the state. 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. | |
| Idaho | The state has begun a three-stage re-opening plan. Stage one, which is from May 1-15, allows certain businesses to re-open, so long as they follow specific protocols regarding sanitation and social distancing. More information may be found on the Idaho Rebounds website. | |
| 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. | Link |
| Iowa | Limited re-opening of certain businesses began May 1. This is only in effect for certain counties. Other counties, such as Des Moines, are still under the full stay at home order. All clubs are prohibited from meeting in person. https://governor.iowa.gov/press-release/gov-reynolds-signs-new-proclamation-continuing-the-state-public-health-emergency-1 | Link |
| Kansas | The stay at home order was lifted on May 4, and a multi-stage re-opening plan has been implemented. Gatherings are limited to 10 people. Businesses may open so long as they adhere to the 10-person limit and maintain social distancing. Personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided must remain closed. View all phases on the Kansas COVID-19 website. | 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 | The re-opening date is unknown, but Governor Hogan has issued a “roadmap to recovery” that will serve as the guide for re-opening. He has been adamant the state would not begin its reopening process until its daily number of new cases decreases for 14 straight days. Governor Hogan said a one-day spike would not prompt an automatic reset of the count, but that if the overall trend of new cases is down for a two-week span, he would be willing to begin the reopening process. The recovery plan can be seen here. | Link |
| Massachusetts | On April 28, 2020 Governor Baker extended his emergency stay-at-home advisory and non-essential business closure order to May 18, 2020.To request designation as an essential business, please click here. | Link |
| Michigan | Stay at home order remains in effect until May 15. | Link |
| Minnesota | Stay-at-home currently expected to expire on May 18. Employees in certain agriculture, industrial, and office settings are allowed to return to work starting April 27. Businesses not considered an “essential service” may ask the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development for reclassification here. | 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 | Stay at home extended until May 15. Businesses are encouraged to re-open in phases and practice social distancing and other requirements. Gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. Pet stores and veterinary services are exempt from the shutdown. | Link Link |
| New Hampshire | All businesses and other organizations that do not provide Essential Services shall continue to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public, and shall continue to cease all in-person operations until 12:01 a.m. on May 31, 2020. Those businesses deemed Essential in addition to those previously identified under Exhibit A, now include phasing in as of May 11th for those listed in Exhibit D, E and F of Executive Order #40 issued by the Governor and found here. | |
| New Jersey | Stay-at-home order in effect since March 21, set to expire June 5. | Link |
| New Mexico | As of May 1, residents must still remain at home except for “outings essential for health, safety, and welfare.” Pet services, including veterinary care, grooming, boarding, daycare and adoption may now operate in the state. Gatherings are limited to five people. A lessening of restrictions is possible soon. | Link |
| New York | – A phased re-opening starting no earlier than May 15, with two weeks in between each phase to ensure no increase of virus-related hospitalizations. It will start with construction and manufacturing. Some businesses may re-open in Phase 2, starting with those considered “more essential” and have a low risk of infection. More businesses may re-open based on the lowering of the infection rate, which will be re-assessed every 2 weeks. Businesses must also be able to demonstrate adherence to new measures that will protect employees and customers. No attractions, etc. may be scheduled that will bring in a significant number of people from outside the local area. More information on these phases will be provided. | Link |
| North Carolina | Phase one of the state re-opening plan will be in effect starting May 8 and last at least 2 weeks. Phase one still includes the stay at home order, but commercial activity will be permitted at 50% capacity, so long as social distancing and other measures are taken. Parks will be opened, and outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people are permitted | |
| 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. Detailed information may be found at the Responsible Restart Ohio website. | Link |
| Oklahoma | A plan to begin re-opening businesses and events began on April 24. Pet care and grooming businesses may be open by appointment only, and sanitation and social distancing protocols must be in place. Outdoor gatherings of up to 50 people are permitted as of May 15, so long as specific protocols are in place. Other restrictions may be lifted in subsequent phases, depending on testing and hospitalization data. More information can be found on the Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s website. https://www.okcommerce.gov/covid19/ours-plan/ |
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 that when the state does start opening up by region or county (still unclear which way it is going) targeted to start May 8th that groomers will be included so long as they follow the guidelines (not announced yet) for reopening businesses. | 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 | The state is currently considered “moderate risk” through at least May 15, meaning some businesses and activities may resume in a limited and restricted capacity. Outdoor recreation activities are permitted, so long as people remain within 10 feet of each other. In addition, “private social interactions that occur without oversight by a formal organization are allowable in groups of 20 or fewer”. https://governor.utah.gov/2020/05/06/governor-issues-executive-order-clarifying-recommendations-for-moderate-and-low-risk-phases/ | Link |
| Vermont | April 27, 2020 began a phased cautious, incremental and evidence-based approach to re-start of the State’s economy. An order by Governor Scott requires all businesses and non-profit and government entities in operation to complete and document mandatory health and safety training by May 4, 2020. | Link |
| Virginia | The re-opening date is unknown, but the plan includes a phased approach that is grounded in the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and has specific goals to contain the spread of the virus through increased testing, personal protective equipment and supplies, and medical capacity. Virginia will be looking at a wide range of public health data with key indicators that will include a 14-day downward trend of confirmed cases and reduced COVID-19 hospitalizations. More information is available at: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/all-releases/2020/april/headline-856337-en.html | Link |
| Washington | As of May 5, certain restrictions are lifted. This includes hunting and use of parks and public lands. Other business restrictions remain in place. Read more about essential businesses in Washington. | Link |
| West Virginia | Re-opening in West Virginia will begin in phases once the state has experienced three consecutive days maintaining a cumulative percentage of positive test results below 3 percent. Week one will all for elective medical procedures and other healthcare providers to reopen as well as daycares with restricts. Week two will allow for small businesses with proper PPE will be able to reopen. Including hair and nail salons, barber shops, etc. which will be allowed to open their doors by appointment only and masks will be required to be worn by both employees and customers. Outdoor dining at restaurants is also under the week two umbrella as are church services and funerals with a limited gathering size and proper PPE. The following businesses are included in weeks three through six: office and government buildings, specialty retail stores, parks, gyms and recreational centers, dine-in restaurants, hotels, casinos, spas and any other remaining small business. For more on the plan: https://governor.wv.gov/Pages/The-Comeback.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 | Wyoming has proposed a plan based on health tests and data to determine when restrictions may be lifted. Currently gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited through at least May 15, but county variances are permitted. Certain businesses, including those offering personal services, are permitted to be opened in a limited capacity. Further re-openings are possible on May 15, depending on data and testing. https://covid19.wyo.gov/ |
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Posted by chesliepickett
on May 12 2020. Filed under Breaking News.
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