​Melbourne dog walkers and dog trainers have not been allowed to operate during Lockdown 6, since August 5th, 2021 (except where a failure to provide these services would create an animal welfare issue). With the proposed roadmap it's looking like the earliest we could get back to work is October 26th, 2021 or when the 70% double dose vaccination target is met.

We are being inundated with enquiries from dog owners who have been sent into isolation due to potential COVID exposure. Dog walkers are able to operate in a contactless manner in these situations with the approval of DHHS, but we cannot service our regular client base. Our client base include the elderly, the immunocompromised, frontline and essential workers, those who work from home, people living with disabilities and families with children who are struggling to balance home learning and full time work.

Most dog walkers work autonomously outdoors and can operate in an entirely contactless manner using their own equipment just like gardeners, pool cleaners and other outdoor sole traders who have been allowed to continue working safely throughout this lockdown.

Dog trainers have been adapting to deliver their puppy classes and training sessions online, however owners are struggling to get the assistance they need without the trainer present (outdoors!). My concern is that with continued restrictions to our industry, dog shelters and pounds will see an increase of dogs and "lockdown puppies" being surrendered because of behavioural issues that could be avoided with the ability to access the help of a professional dog trainer or walker.

With the recent relaxation of outdoor recreation, personal training and socialising for those who are fully vaccinated surely dog walking services and one-on-one outdoor dog training sessions could resume in a COVID safe manner.

Please help get us back to work, for all the good dogs of Melbourne!