HARRISBURG – After fielding many complaints from concerned local citizens, Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) is proposing new legislation that would allow for the safe reopening of pet groomers in the Commonwealth.
The legislation, Senate Bill 1136, will provide a waiver from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to pet groomers that can adhere to strict Centers for Disease Control and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines.
Phillips-Hill said this can be accomplished through a pickup and drop off curbside system. A similar curbside system was recently put in place at most state-owned liquor stores.
“If our state-owned liquor stores are permitted to offer a curbside service, our locally owned businesses should be afforded the same opportunity. Unfortunately, the governor’s statewide closure of all pet groomers has put the safety and wellbeing of our pets in jeopardy. Many breeds require professional and routine grooming to maintain their health and mitigate the chance for infection,” Phillips-Hill said.
Under the governor’s mandated business closure that went into effect on March 20, grooming operations were closed. However, pet supply stores were allowed to remain open.
“The longer this drags out, the more likely local families will have expensive veterinary visits because preventative measures, like grooming your pet, is not allowed,” she added.
You can read more about Phillips-Hill’s bill here.