We want you to have peace of mind and feel as safe as possible when you bring your pet to us for care or stop by for medications and pet food. We’d like to share what we’re doing to limit your exposure and our exposure to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and recommend a few things you can do to help.
What are we doing?
- We’re following the safety guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
- We’re asking clients who don’t feel well to stay home and reschedule their appointments.
- All sick employees are asked to stay home.
- We’re practicing social distancing (6 feet separation between individuals) as much as is feasible, as well as good hygiene by washing our hands frequently, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoiding unnecessary physical contact, and covering our noses and mouth with a tissue or elbow for coughing and sneezing.
- Masks are a mandatory requirement of our employees. We do ask that any clients here for an appointment or to pick up medication wear their mask while interacting with our employees.
- We’re taking extra steps to wipe down high-touch surfaces in our exam rooms, treatment area, and reception area several times a day.
- We have alcohol-based hand sanitizer at the front desk.
- We are offering BOTH curbside and in-person appointments. Please call 619-460-3100 when you arrive for your appointment and let us know which you would prefer. If you opt for the curbside appointment, you will be placed on hold and a technician will touch base with you regarding your reason for the visit. If you would prefer an in-person appointment we do require you to wear a mask while in the hospital (if you do not have one, a mask can be provided to you). We also ask that you limit the number of people in our exam rooms to 2 people as much as possible (our exam rooms are not that big!).
- We’re offering day admission appointments. These appointments allow the most time with your pet (don’t worry, our technicians love hanging out with your fur babies during these appointments!). For these appointments, we ask that you admit your pet first thing in the morning (between 7-8 am) and be prepared for them to spend the majority of the day with us. Usually, they are able to go home after 3 pm. We ask that you are available by phone so that you can speak with our technicians and veterinarians regarding your pet’s health needs.
- For all-day admission exams, we will provide all necessary paperwork via email prior to the appointment time and on the day of the appointment one of our staff members will meet you at your car and will take your pet into the clinic for you. Please call us at 619-460-3100 when you’re here.
- We’re still offering curbside pick-up from your car for medication refills and pet food. Call ahead to place your order, we will then fill the requested product and call you when it is ready. You can then call us at 619-460-3100 when you are in the parking lot and we will assist you so you can stay in your car.
- If your pet is on any chronic medications we recommend stocking up at least a month’s worth to be safe. The reasons for this are two-fold: 1) you are prepared in case you are required to quarantine yourself, and 2) you take advantage of acquiring the medication while it is still in stock. Please call us at 619-460-3100 or order at our online pharmacy, Covetrus (on our website).
What can you do?
- Observe social distancing (6 feet between individuals)
- If you are sick or don’t feel well, please stay home and call us to reschedule your appointment. There is no penalty for last minute cancellations or rescheduled appointments.
- Wash your hands with soap and water prior to visiting our hospital.
- Use provided hand sanitizer upon arriving.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid shaking hands. We like giving a wave or a thumbs up.
We are also encouraging our clients to follow the CDC’s suggested hygiene practices to reduce the spread of the virus.
There is still no evidence that pets can spread COVID-19 (per CDC guidance). For the latest information about coronavirus and pets, we encourage you to visit the links below:
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#animals
- https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
We strive to make decisions that balance the safety of our staff with our commitments to our patients, clients, and the community.
Thank you for being a loyal client.