The APDT Chronicle of the Dog Summer 2020

ASSOCIATION NEWS | POSITION STATEMENT APDT POSITION STATEMENT: COVID-19 and ANIMALS First confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Infection in Companion Animals Navigating Through COVID-19 The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) are closely monitoring updates from the leading public health organizations. The recent announcements of the first confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) infection in companion animals are likely to raise concerns among dog owners about the risk of their dogs contracting the virus or transmitting it to people. There is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. The risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered low. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, the current spread of COVID-19 is a result of human-to-human transmission. To date, there is no evidence that companion animals play a significant role in spreading the disease. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals, which may compromise their welfare. If it is safe and allowed by your local regulations we have the following suggestions to help you continue to provide services to your clients while protecting yourself and your employees. With your clients: • Train outdoors. • Use a personal decoy dog for training demonstrations instead of a client's dog. • Avoid sharing training tools, toys and treats. • Do not participate in in-person training sessions with a client that is ill, has likely been exposed to the virus within the previous 14 days, or has sick family members at home. • Provide video tutorials for clients when you are unable to meet in person. • Offer clients the option of online training options. For your employees and facilities: • Observe social distancing guidelines, along with state and local orders. • Wash hands with soap and water after contact with clients, dogs, or coworkers. • Disinfect all high-touch surfaces multiple times per shift. • Ask that clients call to meet a team member outside during arrivals and departures. • Communicate any change in company policies with your clients as soon as possible. • Develop an emergency plan for how your company will respond if a client with respiratory symptoms comes into your facility or a dog with a history of exposure to a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 becomes sick. We appreciate how challenging this rapidly evolving situation is for you, your business, and your clients. By taking the appropriate precautions, we can continue to support the dogs in our care. Sincerely, Khara Schuetzner Chair The APDT Chronicle of the Dog | Summer 2020 19

The APDT Chronicle of the Dog Summer 2020 | Page 21