PIDA, along with the other pet industry associations and retailers, signed onto “An Open Letter to All State and Local Government Officials Regarding Pets and COVID-19 Precautions,” which was sent to the media, local contacts in state capitals, as well as all contacts in Washington, DC, on March 13, 2020. Click here for a current copy of the letter (3.23.20). Thanks to PIJAC for leading this effort.

This is an important message to lawmakers as they contemplate mandatory closures of retail establishments in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19. The letter states that “It is vital that businesses that provide products or services for the care of pets, and those that house animals, are included among the critical infrastructure that is allowed to remain open throughout the crisis.” The letter supports that all pet retail and logistics companies, who are essential to the public, be allowed to stay open if state by state mandatory closures are enacted. 

This is an ongoing effort as the situation regarding containment and control measures is still very fluid. PIJAC continues to monitor all of these situations.

Anyone interested in signing on to the letter should fill out the form at www.pijac.org/covid19. PIJAC will be updating the letter frequently and posting updated current versions here.