As our community continues to work together to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we’d like to take a moment to provide you with an update on the precautions our hospital is taking to ensure the safety of our patients, clients, and employees.
At this time we are still only utilizing curbside service. We are hoping in the near future this will change. We understand that you want to be with your pet, we want you too as well, and we want to see you again too! Everyone’s safety is our top priority. Currently, the COVID-19 vaccine is not available to veterinarians and their support staff, we feel this is a very important part of the reopening process and will continue to re-evaluate procedures as things change. Please know we are anxious, just like you, to return to “normal”.
Why can’t I come in with my pet?
More info on Curbside check-in during COVID-19
Updated Hours
Our hospital will now be open Monday through Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 8am-12pm, and closed Sunday.
Hospital Cleaning Protocol & Staff Illness
Our hospital continues to observe the CDC’s recommendations on disease prevention, handwashing and cleaning protocols, as well as guidance on managing staff members who are displaying flu-like symptoms and/or have tested positive for COVID-19.
Facility Cleaning
In addition to our regular cleaning schedule, we have added additional deep cleaning protocols which include an increase in cleaning frequency and use of pet-friendly chemicals verified to kill the COVID-19 virus by the CDC and EPA.
Staff Illness
Any staff member who is displaying flu-like symptoms or has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus will be asked to stay home until cleared by a medical professional. Staff members who traveled to a high-risk area within the past 10 days will be asked to remain away from work for an additional 10 days as a safety precaution.
Clients Affected by COVID-19
We will not be able to see your pet for any reason if you or a member of your household have tested positive or is suspected to have COVID-19, are displaying flu-like symptoms and/or have traveled to a high-risk area (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html) within the past 10 days. In these instances we ask that you contact the Veterinary Specialist and Emergency Services at 585-424-1277.
Please note some of our hospital protocol changes in response to COVID-19
Appointments
Clients are not permitted to enter the building. For all appointments, we are working to obtain as much information as possible from you ahead of your scheduled appointment. When you arrive at the animal hospital please text us from your vehicle and let us know your pet’s name and the parking spot you are in. An exam room assistant or veterinary technician will meet you at your car and bring your pet inside. We require all persons wear a face mask while interacting with our staff. Please be sure cats are in carriers as we will not transport a cat into the hospital otherwise. The doctor will then call you from the exam room to discuss your concerns and their exam findings. We will take payment via phone at the end of the appointment. We understand that not being with your pet may add a layer of stress to your appointment, our staff continues to go above and beyond to comfort our patients in your absence.
Medication/Food Pick-Up
Our “walk-up window” has allowed us to continue to provide refills on prescription medication and food for our patients. When you arrive please proceed to the “walk-up window” to pick up your pet’s medications. A staff member will meet you at our “walk-up window”. To streamline this process, we require that payment is made over the phone in advance.
COVID-19 Risks for Pets
According to the AVMA, CDC, and WHO, there is no current evidence to suggest that pets can become sick from the COVID-19 virus or be a source of infection to humans or other animals. Research is continually underway and we encourage clients to continue to monitor the situation via the AVMA (www.avma.org) or CDC (www.cdc.gov) websites. Below are two additional articles to reference regarding your pet and COVID-19.
https://www.cnn.com/…/pets-dogs-cats-coronavirus…/index.html
https://www.avma.org/…/2…/covid-19-faq-pet-owners_031520.pdf
As always, the safety of our patients, clients and employees remains our top priority. We will continue to provide updates on COVID-19 safety as the situation evolves, but please feel free to reach out to our management team with any additional questions or concerns.