COVID-19 UPDATE – March, 09, 2021

Masks Required Covid-19 - K9 Partners for Patriots

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Written by K9 Partners for Patriots

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Coronavirus COVID-19 | News

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March 9, 2021

Discover why flea markets may not be the best environment for service dogs.

Learn about risks, distractions, and considerations for handlers.

1. Crowded Environment: Flea markets are often bustling with crowds, which can be overwhelming for a service dog. The dog may become stressed or anxious in such a busy atmosphere.

2. Distractions: Flea markets are filled with various sights, sounds, and smells that can distract a service dog from its duties. This could potentially compromise its ability to assist its handler effectively.

3. Unpredictable Behavior of Other Animals: Other visitors to the flea market may bring their pets along, which can lead to encounters with unfamiliar animals. This may pose a risk to the safety and focus of the service dog.

4. Risk of Injury: With so many people moving around and browsing items, there’s an increased risk of accidental tripping or stepping on the service dog, which could lead to injury.

5. Exposure to Unsanitary Conditions: Flea markets may not always maintain the cleanest environment, and the service dog may come into contact with unsanitary surfaces or substances.

6. Lack of Accommodation for the Dog: Flea markets may not be equipped to handle service dogs properly, such as providing suitable resting areas, water, or relief spots for the dog.

7. Potential Stress for the Dog: A flea market’s constant stimulation and unfamiliar surroundings could cause stress or discomfort for the service dog, which may affect its overall well-being and ability to perform its tasks.

Given these factors, it’s important for service dog handlers to carefully consider whether taking their dog to a flea market is truly necessary and in the best interest of the dog’s welfare and effectiveness in assisting its handler.

[March 09, 2021 : COVID-19 UPDATE]

Face Coverings are Required

Everyone entering the front office/lobby area must wear a face covering. Masks can be removed in the training area as long as 6-feet of social distancing can be maintained.

K9 Partners for Patriots continues to monitor the situation surrounding Covid-19 (CORONAVIRUS). We have resumed classes, new enrollment interviews, and dog evaluations and our commitment to safety and infection control remains a top priority. We are following recommendations and guidelines made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure that we provide the safest environment for our program veterans, volunteers, visitors, and staff.

CDC recommends wearing a cloth face covering as a measure to contain the wearer’s respiratory droplets and help protect others.

Cloth face coverings are not considered personal protective equipment and may not protect the wearers from exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. However, cloth face coverings may prevent workers, including those who don’t know they have the virus, from spreading it to others.
Remind employees and clients that CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are hard to maintain, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. Wearing a cloth face covering, however, does not replace the need to practice social distancing.