I hope this blog finds you all well. The scare of COVID-19 has forced many businesses to come to a screeching halt. The pet grooming industry has always prevailed in difficult times. People love their pets and seem to always make sure they are taken care of. The financial crisis of 2008 was the worst in global history, surpassing the great depression. While many of my clients lost their jobs and were unemployed for several months to a year, my mobile grooming business kept thriving even in the midst of things.
The COVID-19 pandemic is much different. Beginning in the spring, this coronavirus forced everyone into social distancing and self-quarantine, limiting people to go out only for necessities. Where does this leave us as dog groomers? Some business have been forced to close in several states, deemed non-essential businesses, while others have been able to stay open.
Those that are able to continue grooming our client’s beloved pets must take precautions.
Many businesses have not allowed clients to enter their pet salons when dropping off, requiring them to call upon arrival and meeting them at the door to check in their pet. Using salon-owned slip leads to take the pets from the owners and having the owners take their collars and leashes home with them is another smart tactic. Cleaning door handles, washing hands constantly, and asking clients to call in credit card numbers are just some more examples of precautions that should be taken.
At this time, it is felt that COVID-19 cannot be passed from dogs or cats to humans. We know the virus can live on surfaces for a period of time. Does that mean it can live on the dog’s coat if they were exposed to someone that was exposed? We just don’t know yet. With that being said, it is always better to be safe than sorry… so avoid kissing, hugging and petting your client’s pets. Until we know more about this virus we should all do the job that needs to be done and be cautious. This doesn’t mean that we can’t tell these pets how much we love them and that they are good boys/girls. It just means we need to keep our distance until we have more information. For those of us that are allowed to go back to work, these precautions should be continued for everyone’s safety.
We will all get through this in due time. Remember, this too shall pass. The dogs will be fine if they have to miss an appointment or two. Worse case scenario when we all return to work many dogs will have to be cut short… but it’s ok. It will grow back. The most important thing is that we all stay safe and take precautions.
Continued education is so important in the grooming industry.
Grooming dogs is a skill that is constantly being perfected. Many groomers rely on attending trade shows and seminars to advance their skill level and to purchase products/equipment. The coronavirus has put a damper on these events for a while. While many groomers were not working and instead quarantining at home, many have reached out to me to talk about how they have been using this time as an opportunity to further their knowledge base. It was great to hear of people keeping busy in a constructive way, and finding their own “silver linings”.
Educating groomers has been my passion.
Jodi Murphy Instruction Series DVD Sets
My DVD series has taught countless people to groom and helped just as many groomers perfect their craft. Over the past year I have worked very hard on a new project along with my developer, Shane Davison. We have developed a streaming platform and have transferred all my videos to the site so groomers can have immediate access from any device. It’s as simple as (1) creating username and password (2) watch any of our video trailers, (3) purchasing your first video and then, (4) create your own instructional library with other titles you choose… that you will have permanent access to anytime, anywhere! Over the years I have filmed 52 Titles, which have educated groomers around the world. These videos are all now streamable, but still available for purchase on DVD, if preferred, while supplies last.
Announcement
At this moment I am excited to announce that I will be releasing over 30 brand new videos to my streaming site exclusively over the next few months! Several have already premiered, and I will continue to bring new material to this new platform as I have done over the years!
“We will never stop learning, even during the toughest times! ”
Visit watch.jodimurphy.net today to start watching all my videos on any device!
How have you been keeping busy in 2020 during these odd times? Share with us in the comments below!
