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It’s officially been more than a year of the Covid-19 pandemic here in the United States and it’s been a rather mixed bag as far as precautions. Some have everything they could to protect themselves and others – wearing face masks while around people outside their households, regularly washing their hands, disinfecting, social distancing. Others have had the complete opposite reaction and refused to do take on any precautions, which is an odd stance, to say the least.
Here at Animals of the Pacific Northwest, I cannot recommend enough taking every precaution to protect you and others, even as the pandemic seems to be coming to an end. As a pet sitter and dog walker, I lost more than half of my work last year but the health and safety of my clients and others have been far more important. (Although I realize I can say this as someone with a safety net so while I lost a significant amount of my income, things were tight but mostly fine.) But I know firsthand that the desire to go back to ‘normal’ all too well.
Even as more and more folks are getting vaccinated, taking some precautions will still be important for the next few months! We can’t get careless in the next few months but there is hope. Dr. Anthony Fauci estimates that normality could return by the end of this year, as long as vaccinations continue and a significant amount of the population get their doses. But until things are less chaotic and scary, continue to take precautions.
The good news is that over the last year, there are now plenty of cute face masks you can get. Cloth face masks aren’t medical-grade protection but for everyday folks running errands, these masks can help. They aren’t perfect, but as you can learn from Bill Nye the Science Guy from the above video, they can help.
If you love animals, here are some cute face masks from Etsy you can buy! These masks aren’t a replacement for PPE but seem to decrease Covid-19 transmission for the general public. Additionally, these are all reusable masks and can be washed (check individual store listings for care instructions). Because of sanitary/hygiene reasons, most face masks will be final sale.
Doggie Dots in Cream Adult Face Masks from Val and James
This pleated mask features the illustrated faces of different dog breeds on a cream background! The store also has a plethora of different designs, include floral patterns, earthy tones, and even patterns with a shark, zebra, camel, and monarch butterfly!
Doggy Print Face Masks from BugsTogs
For these masks, you can actually take your pick for a variety of different dog-related patterns and get an optional match dog bandanas too! This store has sizes ranging from child to adult large and you can also add in a filter pocket and nose wire for an additional cost. The creator/seller also donates a mask to her local London Hospital pediatric ward with every face mask sale she makes!
- ALSO FROM THIS STORE: Labrador Dog Face Mask (Fitted or Pleated)
Pet Lovers Face Mask from Chuckle Hounds
Chuckle Hounds is an Etsy store perfect for any pet lover or dog owner! In addition to the prints pictured here, they have ones with Labrador silhouettes, colorful bones, corgis, and more!
Cat Pattern Face Mask from Sisters Upcycling
If you’re more of a cat person, check out these cat related patterned face masks! The Sisters Upcycling store also has bumblebee masks, dog masks, paw masks, and a Yorkie/coffee mask. If you can’t decide on a pattern from this store, they do have a mystery bag with 4 adult masks for $30 and they donate $20 from each mystery bag purchase to the ASPCA.
Chicken Face Mask from In Stitches Yorkshire
These 3 layered, adjustable masks come with a cute chicken pattern on three background colors. There are several other patterns available from this store that are perfect for any animal lover, including fluffy sheep, cats, paw prints, and penguins!
BONUS: 3 Pack of Washable Organic Cotton Face Masks – Una Pluma Shop
If you’re looking for a more simple design, this 3 pack of solid colored masks is perfect. I actually have these masks in the earth, cacao, and black colors and love how comfortable they are. They’re easy to wash and made primarily of organic cotton. These masks, like other garments in the Una Pluma Shop, are designed in Portland, OR but crafted in Kathmandu, Nepal by skilled craftspeople that are paid fair wages in safe working conditions.
