Will I still be able to get products for my pet at Best Friends stores?
Yes. In these unprecedented times, our priority to you and your pets is to continue to provide the products and services you need to care for your pet.
Our stores remain open across Australia
Blacktown, Lidcombe & our ACT stores are currently only open for Click & Collect, urgent and import vet care and welfare grooms only.
We have launched online shopping with free shipping when you spend over $75.
We are also working with our suppliers to ensure our stock levels remain consistent across the entire store network.
When can I expect my parcel to arrive?
We are still dispatching daily, however Australia Post are experiencing some delays due to reduction in freight capacity and an increase in parcel volumes. You can continue to check the status of your order through your tracking number which is emailed to you once you've placed your order.Some orders may be split into multiple deliveries which can be tracked via the same tracking number to provide you a real time estimated delivery date.
What steps are Best Friends taking to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
In an effort to maintain the safety of our team and our customers, we have put a number of measures in place. These include:
- Communication to our team on important prevention measures
- Increased cleaning in our stores
- Training and focus on social distancing and hygiene
- Following government health guidelines
- Asking that all team members who are feeling unwell take appropriate precautionary actions, seek medical advice as necessary and do not come into stores until cleared to do so
- Assisting any team members who have concerns to access our EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
- All team members and customers must wear a mask when indoors if your state government regulations require it. If you have a medical or lawful exception, we will continue to offer service by having a team member shop for you.
Can I still bring my dog in for a grooming appointment?
To find the contact details for your local store, please click here.
Is Puppy Pre-School still running?
Please contact your local store to find out if puppy school is still running in your area. You can find their details here.
Will the OurVet team still be able to see my pet?
Our clinics are still open, but it is best to call to book an appointment to avoid disappointment. Some clinics are available for urgent care only in line with state restrictions.
Things will be a little different when you visit to maintain social distancing and we will explain this along the way.
If you have a booking and are currently self-isolating, are unwell or have travelled overseas in the last 2 weeks, please rebook as we will not be able to see you.
Are your store still accepting cash?
We prefer cashless payment where possible.
When attending an appointment at OurVet
- No more than one pet owner per pet should attend for the appointment
- Until further notice, we only accept EFTPOS payments and no longer accept cash transactions.
I am in voluntary isolation but my pet needs medical attention. What do I do?
If you're concerned about your pet's health and don’t have a friend or family member to take your pet to the vet, please call your local OurVet and they can help you find a solution to get the care they need.
Can I get the COVID-19 from my pet?
At this stage, according to the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) and other world health authorities, there is still no evidence that dogs or cats can play a role in the spread of the human disease that is COVID-19.
https://www.ava.com.au/coronavirus/report-of-transmission-from-human-to-dog/
If pet fur can carry the virus, should I use wipes or disinfectants on my pet’s fur?
No. While it is easy to disinfect surfaces like door-knobs or counter tops, alcohol, bleach and many disinfectants can be harmful to your pet. There is also no evidence to support additional bathing of pets as a result of COVID-19. When you do bathe your pet, always use a mild shampoo especially formulated for pets and rinse well.
Can I still take my dog for a walk?
Yes. Exercise and mental stimulation are important for all animals. Due to social distancing for you, discourage other people from patting or cuddling your dog.
This information is referenced by Australian Government Department of Health, Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). We must emphasise that the situation continues to evolve so we encourage you to monitor the websites of the associations listed above to stay up to date with the latest information.
The Australian government's health information hotline for COVID-19 is: 1800 020 08
Information is accurate as of time of publishing 08.01.2021
