Washington and Idaho residents had months of abstaining from haircuts due to COVID-19, but humans were not the only ones needing a trim.

Zelda’s Pet Grooming closed their doors on March 26 and did not reopen until May 25. Owners Dani and Melanie Voorhees faced uncertainty for the future of their business, as well as their employees.

Throughout the closure, both Dani and Melanie said they experienced great support from the Pullman community. Their clients were still able to buy merchandise, as well as gift cards. Clients even donated money to the business. 

Melanie said this time of year, in combination with being closed for two months, has left Zelda’s Pet Grooming busy.

She said they had to book appointments for two to three weeks out for services, such as baths and groomings, with the exception of nail trims, which are walk-ins. 

Dani said changes needed to be made to meet new regulations. The biggest change the business made was that nobody can enter the store. This is to minimize contact between customers and groomers. 

“When they arrive at Zelda’s, we ask that our customers give us a call so we can come out to grab your dog or cat,” Dani said. “Same goes for when you pick up your pet.”

In addition to this, employees are always wearing masks, social distancing when possible and sanitizing frequently. 

Amber Wright, owner of Amber’s Grooming Salon, said she was able to reopen her doors two weeks early because the salon was reclassified as an essential business.

The salon collects pet hair and works with an allergy research facility, which allowed the grooming business to open with strict precautions, she said.

Wright said the salon has separate rooms for bathing, grooming and their receptionist. This set-up has helped the salon maintain social distance and to more easily sanitize equipment. 

The salon has two daily times for curbside drop off and pick up. The first drop-off session is at 7:45 a.m. with pick up at 12:45 p.m. The second drop-off session is at 1 p.m. with a pick up at 4 p.m.  

Wright said the salon also does not handle the pet’s leashes or collars, which minimizes the risk of any germ contamination between employees and clients. They must wear masks during pick up and drop-offs.

“We are planning at staying at the level that we are at currently, and don’t plan to open to the general public for a while,” Wright said.

The article has been updated to clarify that Amber’s Grooming Salon was not open during the entire COVID-19 closure and opened two weeks early.