09 JunCovid-19 Phased Re-Opening Plan, June 2020

Dear SFTD Community,

First and foremost, we want to send our well wishes to everyone in the community. We hope that you and your loved ones are safe and well. After months of suspending in-person services, we are pleased to announce that we are tentatively slated to begin reopening our school thoughtfully and safely the week of June 22nd.

We are eager to share with you our reopening plans and newly implemented measures to ensure the health and safety of our clients, staff, and community.

Improved Health and Safety Measures

• HVAC updates: 
  • We have installed a germicidal ultraviolet light and air purifier, to aid in killing bacteria and pathogens
  • Also installed ducts/fan to generate air flow to the basement and small room upstairs
• Using the door buzzer to limit studio capacity and ensure social distancing. Buzzer will be disinfected in between clients.
• Requiring all clients and staff who enter the studio wear a mask or face covering to protect themselves and others. Those who do not follow protocol will not be admitted. 
• Gloves and hand sanitizer will be made available throughout the facility.
• Increased sanitization with RESCUE, an EPA approved disinfectant which kills dangerous pathogens including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 (wiping down surfaces, doorknobs, and other areas of contact after each service.)
• Regular deep cleaning of floors with RESCUE, an EPA approved disinfectant.

Phased Re-Opening

Our services will resume in multiple phases, in accordance with NYS Forward Phased Reopening Guidelines, starting with services that have the least physical contact and work upwards from there.

Our tentative phased plan (subject to change) are as follows:

Phase 1: Drop-Off Services & Limited Private Sessions
JUNE 23, 2020

Day School, Misfits Day School and Puppy Day School (NEW!)

• Service will be available 1-2 times per week on Tuesdays & Thursdays
• Clients must follow all posted social distancing guidelines
• No-contact pick-up and drop off using an SFTD slip-lead for safe transfer

Limited Private Sessions (with select trainers on a limited basis: in-studio or outside)

• One family member per dog (Zoom or Facetime others at request)
• Clients must remain within social distancing guide markers for the duration of the session (barriers, boxes, or taped off boxes)
• Mask required for participation

Phase 2: Dog Walking, Day Training Sessions & Sidewalk Psychos
JULY 6, 2020*

*Note that each subsequent phase is tentatively slated to start 2 weeks after the previous phase, barring any new guidance or restrictions from NYC.

Walking Program

• Service only available to clients who are no longer working from home

Day Training

• Service only available to clients who are no longer working from home

Sidewalk Psychos

• Maximum of 4 dogs per class
• Limited to one family member per dog
• Clients must remain within social distancing guide markers for the duration of the session (barriers, boxes, or taped off boxes)
• Mask required for participation

Phase 3: School Yard and select In-Home Private Sessions
JULY 20, 2020*

*Note that each subsequent phase is tentatively slated to start 2 weeks after the previous phase, barring any new guidance or restrictions from NYC.

School Yard

• Limited to one family member per dog
• Maximum of 4 dogs
• Clients must remain within social distancing guide markers for the duration of the session (barriers, boxes, or taped off boxes)
• Mask required for participation

Select In-Home Private Sessions

• Dependent on location
• Held outside whenever appropriate
• Clients and trainer to maintain 6 ft distance from trainer
• Clients must wear face mask or covering for the duration of the session

Phase 4: Group Classes, Puppy Playtime and In-Home Private Sessions
AUGUST 12, 2020*

*Note that each subsequent phase is tentatively slated to start 2 weeks after the previous phase, barring any new guidance or restrictions from NYC.

Remaining Group Classes

• Maximum of 4 dogs per class
• Limited to one family member per dog
• Staggered arrival/departure times to limit face-to-face interactions between clients
• Clients must remain within social distancing guide markers for the duration of the session (barriers, boxes, or taped off boxes)
• Mask required for participation