Our COVID-19 Safety Protocol

At Rebecca Marlin Pet Care, we are fully aware of the danger presented by COVID-19. For this reason, we chose to close down our business in mid-March 2020 even before Shelter-in-Place orders were in effect, out of extreme caution and concern for our sitters and clients. We are now making the careful choice to reopen our business, with the following precautions in place.

Current information on COVID-19

  • We will be continuously reviewing CDC and local recommendations and following all recommendations for the Bay Area.

  • We will also be continuously reviewing the positive testing ratio for the Bay Area. As of now (June 2020). the rate is approximately 3-4%, which is within a tolerable range for containment. If the rate goes above 5% for 3 days in a row, we will shut down our business again out of precaution.

  • As for now (June 2020), current recommendations recommend frequent hand washing, wearing a mask, refraining from touching eyes, nose, or mouth, and maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from others.

  • What we understand about the transmission of COVID-19 is that risk of transmission is highest in the following scenarios:

    • Talking, coughing, or singing

    • Being in close contact with others (within 6 feet)

    • Not wearing a mask

    • Touching eyes, nose, and mouth

    • Being in enclosed spaces/indoors

    • Being in contact for longer periods of time (15 minutes or more)

  • We understand that risk of transmission of lowest in the following scenarios:

    • Being outdoors

    • Not being in contact with others

    • Not talking

    • Wearing mask and gloves

    • Contact with most surfaces is considered low-risk

Precautions we are taking

As mentioned above, if the positive test rate for the counties we work in goes above 5% for 3 days in a row, or if new Shelter-in-Place orders go into effect, we will have to shut down our business again. For that reason, we will only schedule visits up to 30 days in advance, and we will be evaluating the situation daily.

All pet sitters will be required to do the following:

  • Pet sitters will be wearing a mask covering their nose and mouth at all times during each visit.

  • Pet sitters will be wearing disposable gloves at all times during each visit. The gloves will be disposed of after they have left your home, and a new pair will be used on each visit.

  • Pet sitters have been instructed to refrain from touching their face during a visit.

  • Pet sitters have been instructed to limit speaking during a visit, and if they see you, will offer a nod or wave.

  • Pet sitters will be completing a COVID-19 screening via an app on their phone each day before they go on visits. 

  • Pet sitters will be in touch with management immediately if they begin experiencing symptoms or come into contact with someone who has symptoms.

What we are asking of clients:

  • Please leave all supplies for the visit (food, treats, bowls, litter scoops, bags, leashes and harnesses, medications, cleaning supplies) out in an easily accessible location so that sitters will not have to touch cabinets, drawers, closets, and door handles to find them.

  • If you are in the home when your pet sitter arrives (in the case of dog walks), please remain at least 6 feet away from your pet sitter and refrain from talking as much as possible (pet sitters have also been instructed to reduce talking and will offer a nod or wave).

  • Though we normally offer a full 30 minute visit to keep pets company, please let us know if you would rather we make the visit as efficient as possible in order to limit potential exposure in the home.

  • For traveling clients, we will ask you to complete a simple COVID-19 screening questionnaire before you leave on your trip.

  • For our regular clients who we see weekly, we will ask you to complete a simple COVID screening questionnaire once per week.

  • Please notify us immediately if you are experiencing symptoms or have come into contact with someone who has symptoms.