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.

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 car 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 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.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone who visits and works within CTVSEH.