We are still requiring that masks be worn at all times when in our hospitals. This is our best option (outside of vaccination) to help slow the spread of this virus among our employees as well as the community. We would still like to collect vaccination status information in case something else comes up or changes; then we are prepared.
The CDC has recommended KN95 or K95 or equivalent masks for better protection. However, we are not requiring these masks. We are just sharing the most current information that we have at this time. You may request a reimbursement under your uniform allowance (if you still have funds available) if you decide to purchase these masks.
Thank you for all that you do every day for the pets and people in our community.
Stay safe and remember to take care of yourself during these stressful times. You can't help others if you aren't being mindful of yourself as well.
**For your safety and ours: PLEASE make sure to have your mouth and nose covered while interacting with our team members.
Emergency patients are seen based upon severity of injury. Life threatening cases are prioritized first, causing long wait times. Please call if your pet’s condition deteriorates while waiting and we will advise. Do not leave your designated parking space while waiting. Once your pet is examined, you will be presented with an estimate of charges and payment will be due at time of service. For your convenience and safety, payments are accepted via our website.
Due to recent health updates, all CTVSEH locations are requiring all clients having their pets medically evaluated, please make sure to have your mouth and nose covered when interacting with our team members. We are extending these precautions to our Round Rock hospital in Williamson County as well as our South Austin location. These requirements are both mandatory and best for the safety of you and our team, who continue to help sick pets. Below is a link to the most recent update and reference for social interactions.
https://www.traviscountytx.gov/images/docs/200314-gathering-order.pdf
Dear Pet Owner,
With the continued rising threat of COVID-19, we have had to make additional difficult decisions necessary to protect the health of our employees and to protect you as our client while we continue to deliver care to pets in our community. We want to be sure you are aware of these new policies that are effective starting 3.23.2020. We are reviewing and changing things daily as the situation changes. We appreciate your understanding.
We will continue to limit unnecessary recheck appointments until a later date.
In an effort to minimize close contact with others
- NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED INSIDE THE HOSPITAL
- All clients will be required to fill out the COVID-19 Registration Form located HERE or on the homepage. Please fill out from home or your phone upon arrival.
- Allow the recommended 6ft space between you and others that might be waiting outside the building to be helped by the Client Care Staff or others
- Credit Card is the preferred method of payment (if possible)
- All communication concerning your pet’s medical recommendations and updates will be made via telephone.
Before you Visit one of our Hospitals
- Please call before you head to our hospital if you do not have a scheduled appointment. We want to make sure you and your pet need to come out, to help prepare for your visit, to minimize the inconveniences as much as possible and to minimize your wait time.
- All patients will be triaged based on the level of severity of their medical condition.
If you are sick with a fever and/or respiratory symptoms (cough, difficulty breathing) and your pet needs attention:
- You must call ahead so we can confirm that your pet needs to be seen by our emergency service, and to give you instructions on how to proceed.
- If it is determined that your pet needs to be seen immediately, we will ask that someone else who is not showing any symptoms bring your pet to the hospital on your behalf.
- If our doctor determines that your pet needs to be seen immediately and no one else can bring your pet on your behalf, you will be given a phone number to call when you arrive at the parking lot. Please wait in your car and do not enter the Hospital.
- We will meet you at your car to assess your pet, bring them inside for an exam and then we will call when the exam is complete.
If you are a client at risk (elderly or immunosuppressed)
- Please call ahead to let us know that you are coming for an appointment and are at a higher risk so we can minimize your social exposure
- Please call once you arrive for your appointment. We will gladly come to your care to bring your pet inside or we can take you directly into a freshly wiped down exam room without having to touch any door handles or be around others in the lobby.
- If you do wait in your car, we will call you or come out to the car with your pet once the exam or appointment is complete.
New Policy for Inpatient Visits
- We must immediately discontinue all visits to hospitalized patients without doctor permission and only in the most extreme situations. This is for all of our clients’ and team members’ protection.
- No personal items can be retained with the pet while hospitalized, including blankets, toys, collars, leashes, etc. Please do not bring any items with you and remove the leash and collar for our team members as we will place one of ours on your pet.
- We will use medications from within our hospital to give to your pet to avoid multiple persons from handing pill vials that you might have already for your pet. If there is a special medication that we do not carry, we will ask that the vials or containers be placed in a plastic baggie handled by one of our team members that we will label. Our team will then use a new pair of gloves any time we have to handle the bottle.
As a reminder, when visiting CTVSEH, please follow CDC guidelines for personal health and hygiene:
- Wash your hands with soap and water often
- Use provided hand sanitizer upon arriving at CTVSEH
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze, using a tissue or your inner elbow (not your hands).
- When possible maintain a safe social distance (6 feet) between yourself and others and abstain from shaking hands.
COMPANION ANIMALS AND CORONAVIRUS
- The AVMA is continuously monitoring for any connections between companion animals and the virus. A dog in Hong Kong tested "weak positive" for coronavirus (the dog’s owner also tested positive) on February 27 and remains under quarantine. That pet dog has since received a second positive result that has been sent to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), which is working with Hong Kong health officials on the case. The clinical definition of “weak positive" remains unclear and is under further review.
- The CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) have reported that there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19.
- According to the CDC, people who are sick with COVID-19 should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just as they would with other people. Individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 should avoid contact with animals, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food; those who must be around animals should wear an appropriate facemask and wash their hands thoroughly before and after interacting with those animals.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone who visits and works within CTVSEH
Dear Pet Owner,
With the rising threat of COVID-19, we have had to make some difficult decisions necessary to protect the health of our employees and to protect you as our client while we continue to deliver care to pets in our community. We want to be sure you are aware of these new policies that are effective immediately. We are reviewing and changing things daily as the situation changes. We appreciate your understanding.
We will be limiting unnecessary recheck appointments until a later date.
If you are sick with a fever and/or respiratory symptoms (cough, difficulty breathing) and your pet needs attention:
- You must call ahead so we can confirm that your pet needs to be seen by our emergency service, and to give you instructions on how to proceed.
- If it is determined that your pet needs to be seen immediately, we will ask that someone else who is not showing any symptoms bring your pet to the hospital on your behalf.
- If our doctor determines that your pet needs to be seen immediately and no one else can bring your pet on your behalf, you will be given a phone number to call when you arrive at the parking lot. Please wait in your car and do not enter the Hospital.
- We will meet you at your car to assess your pet, bring them inside for an exam and then we will call when the exam is complete.
- If you are a client at risk (elderly or immunosuppressed)
- Please call ahead to let us know that you are coming for an appointment and are at a higher risk so we can minimize your social exposure
- Please call once you arrive for your appointment. We will gladly come to your care to bring your pet inside or we can take you directly into a freshly wiped down exam room without having to touch any door handles or be around others in the lobby.
- If you do wait in your car, we will call you or come out to the car with your pet once the exam or appointment is complete.
- No handshaking or other contact greeting, please
- Allow the recommended 6ft space between you and others that might be waiting to be help by the Client Care Staff or others
- We will make every attempt to put you into a clean exam room upon arrival to keep you from waiting in the lobby. If all the exam rooms are full, you will be asked to give the Client Care team your phone number and asked to wait in your car or outside until called.
- Upon completion of your visit, we will have you wait in the exam room until the checkout line is clear. Continue to keep 6ft of space between you and others.
- We must immediately restrict visits to hospitalized patients. The only patients that can receive visits are those that are critically ill AND hospitalized in the ICU and whose owners do not have any respiratory symptoms.
- No personal items can be retained with the pet while hospitalized, including blankets, toys, collars, leashes, etc. Please do not bring any items with you and remove the leash and collar for our team members as we will place one of ours on your pet.
- We will use medications from within our hospital to give to your pet to avoid multiple persons from handing pill vials that you might have already for your pet. If there is a special medication that we do not carry, we will ask that the vials or containers be placed in a plastic baggie handled by one of our team members that we will label. Our team will then use a new pair of gloves any time we have to handle the bottle.
- Please use the sanitizing agents at the front desk upon arrival as needed
- Please respect the ‘social distancing’ recommendations and maintain a distance of 6 feet from others, and refrain from shaking hands.
As a reminder, when visiting CTVSEH, please follow CDC guidelines for personal health and hygiene:
- Wash your hands with soap and water often
- Use provided hand sanitizer upon arriving at CTVSEH
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze, using a tissue or your inner elbow (not your hands).
- When possible maintain a safe social distance (6 feet) between yourself and others and abstain from shaking hands.
COMPANION ANIMALS AND CORONAVIRUS
- The AVMA is continuously monitoring for any connections between companion animals and the virus. A dog in Hong Kong tested "weak positive" for coronavirus (the dog’s owner also tested positive) on February 27 and remains under quarantine. That pet dog has since received a second positive result that has been sent to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), which is working with Hong Kong health officials on the case. The clinical definition of “weak positive" remains unclear and is under further review.
- The CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) have reported that there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19.
- According to the CDC, people who are sick with COVID-19 should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just as they would with other people. Individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 should avoid contact with animals, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food; those who must be around animals should wear an appropriate facemask and wash their hands thoroughly before and after interacting with those animals.