You may be worried about how to keep your pet safe in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The following three facts will help you and your pet stay safe and healthy during these troubling times.
#1: Rely on reputable sources for current COVID-19 information
While you can turn to Facebook for insider information on where to find toilet paper, avoid using social media as your main source about COVID-19. Instead, rely on major animal and human health organizations for the most current, accurate research about this evolving situation. A few reputable sources include:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
#2: There is no evidence to indicate pets can become ill with COVID-19
A major veterinary diagnostic laboratory tested thousands of canine and feline samples for COVID-19 when validating a veterinary test, but found no positive results. Additionally, the CDC and WHO have received zero reports of a pet who was ill from COVID-19. Based on the current evidence, health officials have declared there is no indication that pets can become sick from COVID-19. So, your coughing dog is likely not sick with COVID-19, but another disease, such as kennel cough, congestive heart failure, or a collapsing trachea.
#3: We’re taking every precaution to protect you and our team while still keeping your pet healthy
As a vital part of the health care community, we will remain open and continue to provide important medical care for your pet. As this situation continues to unfold, we may make protocol changes to protect everyone involved. Currently, we have made these changes:
- Curbside service — If you have an appointment, we ask that you call the office from the parking lot, and a technician will greet you outside the building. The technician will bring your pet into the building for the appointment while you remain in your car. If the need was to arise and we have to bring you and your pet into the building, we ask that you come alone.
- Pick-up for food, supplies, and medication — If you are coming to pick up any medical supplies, medications, or food, please call us from the parking lot. We will bring the supplies out to you.
- Increased sanitation — We have increased our already rigorous sanitation routines, and are more frequently wiping down doorknobs, counters, and commonly used items.
You can read more about what we have implemented here.
If your pet needs medical treatment, we are still here to provide the highest standards of care. Contact us about our current operating policies before you head out.