Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether a veterinary referral is necessary for pet groomers to carry out grooming appointments for welfare reasons during the covid-19 national lockdown.

The Canine and Feline Sector Group have issued advice for pet businesses, including dog groomers, on how to operate safely within the new restrictions. The advice may be found online at https://www.cfsg.org.uk/repository/360/.

Dog owners are permitted to take their dog to be groomed by appointment where this is necessary for the animal’s welfare and not simply for aesthetic reasons. Defra cannot advise on whether it is appropriate to take animals to be groomed in individual cases. Owners should carefully consider whether grooming is necessary for animal welfare reasons, in discussion with their vet if needed.