Grooming businesses can remain open during this second lockdown period in England – but only for animal welfare reasons and not for ‘aesthetic’ purposes.

Trade body the Pet Industry Federation believes that professional pet grooming is essential for a pet’s health and welfare and provides many health benefits, which may not be immediately obvious.
“It is not undertaken for aesthetic purposes, which the dictionary defines as, ‘concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty’,” a PIF spokesman said.

“Regular visits to a professional salon are a fundamental part of a pet’s routine care and wellbeing and help keep the coat clean and free from knots and matts, and in so doing help prevent more serious welfare issues building up.”

PIF says pet grooming fulfils many functions and professional pet groomers have an important role to play in maintaining pet health and welfare, including:
* Regular grooming helps to keep coats clean and manageable
* Unremoved hair from when a pet moults can form matts, which can cause discomfort and skin complaints
* Pet groomers are able to do a quick health check and spot any unusual lumps or bumps which can then be referred for veterinary investigation
* Pet groomers check for any signs of fleas or ticks, inspect their teeth, eyes and ears and make sure that claws aren’t overgrown
* Pet grooming promotes good blood circulations, keeping grease levels down which can block pores and cause cysts.

“Professional pet groomers provide an essential pet welfare service which is important to maintain during a period of lockdown.”

PIF would consider aesthetic purposes to be services such as creative grooming, facials, nail painting, and fur-dyeing. These activities should not be undertaken during a lockdown. http://www.petcare.org.uk/