We are excited about the new year and the new possibilities that come with it! Like everyone else, we are happy to put 2020 behind us and move forward. However, it seems like COVID-19 is here to stay for at least a little longer, while we are waiting for vaccines to be distributed.

The news about COVID has been developing constantly in the past year, and it can be hard to keep up, but we are making sure to follow the developing recommendations from the CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, especially when it comes to information related to pets.

Based on information from the CDC, COVID-19 rarely spreads between people and animals. It appears that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some situations in which the animal was in close contact with a sick person. At this time, the risk of COVID-19 spreading from animals to people is considered to be low.

Even though the risk is low, we take every precaution possible to keep you, your cats, and your cat sitter safe. We adapt our services constantly based on current information, and we updated our COVID policies as well:

• In order to maintain physical distancing, we will conduct meet and greets and consultations via video conferencing when possible.

• When visiting our clients, we wear a face covering at all times. In addition, we leave our shoes outside or at the door.

• We frequently wash or sanitize our hands. We always carry hand sanitizer. Although we prioritize our environment in normal times, while the current health crisis is ongoing, we avoid using towels if possible and prefer disposable paper towels.

• We always keep your home clean in the areas that we use, and especially the areas that your cats use. Recent research shows that disinfecting all surfaces may be an overkill and even a risk due to the use of chemicals. Therefore, we only disinfect surfaces that are not directly touched by your cats and use gentle cleaners, such as dishwashing detergent, on other surfaces when appropriate.

• If at any time our cat sitter will display any COVID-19-like symptoms we will cancel our visits and will work with you to find an alternative solution. If a cancellation is required due to COVID infection or exposure, cancellation fees will be waived and the client will be reimbursed for any incomplete services.

• We ask that if you or anyone in your household is displaying any COVID-19-like symptoms, or if you or anyone in your household has been exposed to COVID around the time of our service, please let us know.

We wish our clients health, and hope to see you soon!