Latest Update on Pet Stores as Essential Service across Canada
Latest Update on Pet Stores as Essential Services Across Canada
We have gathered a list of how each of the provinces is addressing essential businesses and which ones have specifically named pet stores as essential. What follows is a list from east to west as of 10am on March 31, 2020. We are continuing to follow the news closely.
On March 17th, 2020, PIJAC Canada issued a letter to government officials asking them to recognize pet stores as an essential service. Read the letter HERE.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Pet stores in Newfoundland and Labrador explicitly listed as an essential service. Please see the government list HERE: https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/
PEI
Pet stores and the supply chain in Prince-Edward-Island have been explicitly listed as an essential service. Please see the government list HERE: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-and-wellness/essential-and-non-essential-services-covid-19#essential
Nova Scotia
As of March 23rd, businesses have not been listed as requiring mandatory closures. Please see this governments news page HERE: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200322001
https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/COVID-19-Global-Order-2020-03-23.PDF
New Brunswick
Pet stores in New-Brunswick have been explicitly listed as an essential service. Please see the government list HERE: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2020.03.0139.html
Quebec
Pet stores, transport, warehousing, distribution and supply in Quebec have been explicitly listed as an essential service. Please see the government list HERE (currently in French. Will be updated once English list is published): https://www.quebec.ca/sante/problemes-de-sante/a-z/coronavirus-2019/fermeture-endroits-publics-commerces-services-covid19/
Ontario
Pet stores, boarding kennels and the supply chain that supplies essential businesses in Ontario have been explicitly listed as an essential service. Pet stores can remain open, however are now restricted to alternative methods of sale. It is our understanding that these new restrictions come into effect 11:59pm on Saturday April 4th. https://bit.ly/2UFaiJp
Manitoba
Pet sores and the supply chain in Manitoba have been explicitly listed as an essential service. Please see the government list on page 4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PILaCbse2EusmClFmyYPOxwlXSOEoPHr/view
Saskatchewan
Pet stores and the supply chain in Saskatchewan have been explicitly listed as an essential service. Please see the government list and click on Allowable Business Services Backgrounder at the bottom of the page: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2020/march/25/allowable-business-services
Alberta
Pet stores, shelters, boarding kennels and the supply chain in Alberta have been explicitly listed as an essential service. Please see this governments news page HERE: https://www.alberta.ca/essential-services.aspx#toc-1
British-Columbia
Pet stores, the supply chain, animal shelters and pets have been explicitly listed as an essential service. Please see the government list HERE: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/essential-services-covid-19
Yukon
As March 23rd, Businesses have not been listed as requiring mandatory closures. Please see this governments news page HERE: https://yukon.ca/en/services#closures-and-cancellations
Northwest Territories
As March 23rd, Businesses have not been listed as requiring mandatory closures. Please see this governments news page HERE: https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/information-employers-and-businesses
Nunavut
As March 23rd, Businesses have not been listed as requiring mandatory closures. Please see this governments news page HERE: https://www.gov.nu.ca/executive-and-intergovernmental-affairs/news/covid-19-gn-update-march-20-2020
