Photo by Scott McCloskey Woodsdale resident Nora Edinger is pictured with her family’s dog “Miles” while out for a neighborhood walk with family this week.

WHEELING — As many people are spending more time bonding with their pets at home in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, animal hospitals and pet supply stores are permitted to remain open to help us take care of our furry companions.

Stay-at-home orders in effect in both West Virginia and Ohio maintain that people can still walk their pets while practicing social distancing and take them to the veterinarian if necessary.

Ohio’s orders specifically states, “You may walk your dog and seek medical care for your pet should they require it. Be sure to practice social distancing while out on walks, maintaining at least 6 feet from other neighbors and their pets.”

According to a receptionist at Town & Country Animal Hospital, while they’ve shortened their daily regular business hours from 10 a.m to 3 p.m., the Wheeling business continues to see pets on an emergency basis. She said the lobby is closed to the public, but an animal hospital employee donning a mask and gown will meet pet owners outside for the admission of their pet once they received a call they have pulled into the parking lot.

In addition, she said they continue to administer vaccines for puppies only because they don’t want to get behind on schedules that require a more frequent series of vaccine shots than older dogs require. She said the typical vaccinations for older dogs have all been temporarily postponed in light of the ongoing crisis.

While local many pet supply stories continue to remain open, they are taking necessary precautions in the wake of the ongoing crisis.

Pet Supplies Plus, located at the Ohio Valley Plaza in St. Clairsville issued a statement this notifying their customers that while they remain open for pet supplies, they are temporarily closing the grooming salon out an abundance of caution.

“During these unprecedented times, the safety and well-being of you and your pets remains our top priority,” the statement read.