In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Governor Charlie Baker shut down all non-essential businesses in Massachusetts on March 23, 2020. The order has been extended through May 4, 2020. Although we understand the importance of “flattening the curve” and have most certainly complied with our Governor’s orders, we truly feel that many pets will start to suffer the consequences from lack of grooming if closures extend beyond May.  Many owners are unable or unwilling provide “safe” maintenance at home for a variety of reasons. Many are elderly or disabled, some are just not comfortable. Pets need maintenance including, but not limited to...nail clipping to prevent overgrown nails into pads of feet, eye trimming to prevent eye infection and build up, sanitation trims to prevent infections, maintenance to prevent matting of fur which causes pain and skin infection, regular baths with medicated shampoos for pets with skin infection/allergies, and overall general maintenance of coat. Groomers are ready to get back to work and start caring for pets, while easily practicing social distancing by retrieving pets in outside, manually entering transactions for clients, and limiting customer contact. This is not difficult in our industry, as most of our time is spent caring for the pets, rather than with the clients. Groomers, in many cases, prevent a lot of health issues in pets my maintaining their skin, coat, nails and oral health.  Allowing pets to go months without maintenance becomes neglectful, we do not want to see the pets we care for developing unnecessary issues due to lack of care. Please sign this petition to make grooming an essential service in the state of Massachusetts so we can care for our furry family members. This is not about aesthetics...this is about good health and maintenance of our best friends.