As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact everyday life, you may be wondering what that means for you as a pet owner. The following three facts will help you and your pet stay safe and healthy during these troubling times, so read on for more details.
#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. We have already put the following in place:
- Curbside appointments — When we are ready for your pet, we will call you on your phone number to discuss your pet’s reason for coming and get any history or information needed to do a complete evaluation of your pet. You will then bring your pet up to the overhang outside our front door. Our staff will take your dog with a leash or your cat in a carrier into the hospital. Please wait in your car in the parking lot after your pet enters the hospital. After the exam, you will get a phone call to discuss the veterinarian’s recommendations, and we will make a plan with you for treatment and arrangements to meet you outside to take your pet home.
- Increased sanitation — We have increased our already rigorous sanitation routines and are more frequently wiping down doorknobs, counters, and commonly used items.
Our team is taking all precautions to keep our community and pets safe. Contact us about our current operating policies before you head out. Thank you so much for your patience during this time!