Recent News – Covid 19

1. Will I be able to purchase pet food during the COVID-19 pandemic:

The Pet Food Association of Canada has written to federal, provincial and municipal policy makers asking that they consider retailers and suppliers of pet food and pet care, such as veterinary hospitals, as essential services that must remain accessible to the public during the pandemic.

We encourage you to reach out to your local retailers by telephone or social media to determine whether they have reduced hours or procedures for purchasing pet food.  It is our understanding that veterinary hospitals and pet food retailers will remain open; however, their hours of operation may change.

2. My pet food is made in the USA. Will border closures affect my ability to buy the pet food?

Borders for trade remain open and we are not aware of any issues with shipments of goods from US to Canada.  We do not expect any issues with imports.

3. Is pet food considered an essential product?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, PEI, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, provincial governments have deemed pet food stores, and the food supply chain as essential.

4. How much pet food should I have on hand?

You should purchase your pet food as you normally would.  We are not aware of any supply chain issues that would result in your not having access to what you need.  If you feel the need to buy extra, limit your purchase to allow other people with pets to purchase food as well.  Remember, pet food has a best before date and you should check that you will use up the food before that date.

5. Will veterinary hospitals and pet retailers have different hours?

Veterinary hospitals and pet retailers are independent businesses and they will make their own decisions as to their hours of operation and their procedures for doing business with you.  We strongly recommend that you contact the business before you go, either by phone or by social media, to ensure that you know these details.

It is very important that you stay in touch with your supplier to ensure you know whether their procedures change in the coming weeks.

6. What should I do if I can’t find the particular brand I am used to feeding my pet?

If, in the unlikely event you are unable to find the brand you are used to feeding, you may need to substitute another brand in the short term.  If this is the case, you should try to introduce the new food gradually.  Mix the new with old, increasing the new and decreasing the old every day or so.  Likewise, use the same procedure when you eventually switch back to the brand you choose.

If the diet is a therapeutic diet for a specific health concern, have a discussion with your veterinarian as to what an appropriate substitution would be.

7. Can I get COVID19 from my pet?

There is no current evidence to suggest that pets might be a source of infection or can transmit COVID-19, according to a range of health and veterinary experts, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).