COVID-19 - What are we doing?

After government advice and advice from the BVA and RCVS Vale Referrals made the decision back in March to see only urgent and emergency cases. These rules have now been relaxed and we are now running our referral service as normal. We are still offering telemedicine consultations to discuss your pets' condition and from here we can help make a plan and assess what can or should be done. Our telemedicine calls can be done either over the phone or via a video link! We ask that if you are self isolating or shielding you let us know and we can ensure this is the consultation route we provide for you.

For our referring vets we offer this same service where we can aid you in managing patients if clients are unable to travel to us or are perhaps self isolating. We have put together a service for you on our website here Telemedicine

If you have been asked to have your consultation at the referral centre, then please let the reception team know you are here and wait back outside in the car park. On hot days please ensure your pet is not left in the car, but stand outside with them. We ask that you all cat carriers are secure and that all dogs are on their lead.

*Please note all telemedicine consultations are payable at the time of booking. For referring vets we can invoice your practice.

** Should our referral clinician wish to prescribe treatments these must be paid for prior to postage

Should you be attending the practice or requiring a video consultation the following rules apply:

• Our door is now open but our waiting area inside is not for use just yet.
• Please wear a mask when onsite.
• Some consultations are to be done over the telephone or via a video consultation link.
• Telephone and video consultations must be paid for at the time of booking.
• Medications prescribed over the phone by your vet will be required to be paid for before they are collected or posted to you.
• Please check in at reception and complete / hand in any paperwork required. Such as insurance forms.
• Your Vet will then come out into the car park and to consult with you and collect your pet.
• We advise only one person to travel to the practice with their pet. We do not want our vets to meet additional members of the public.
• If you are collecting repeat medications please visit our click and collect window.
• Please use the hand sanitiser provided
• Our team will continue cleaning contact points hourly along with other touch points.

These are unprecedented times and we thank you for your support. Your cooperation means our teams can provide care for your sick and injured pets for as long as possible.

To contact us call 01453 542092 - our phone lines are very busy currently.

Making your visit as safe as possible

We ask clients who are showing symptoms (fever, dry cough and high temperature) to NOT come into our hospital. Where possible please ask a friend or relative who is symptom free to bring your pet instead.

When phoning to book your appointment you will be asked some “screening” questions to ensure, in the interest of public health, that you are not at risk. To aid with this process it will no longer be possible to book via our online booking system.

We ask that face masks are worn. Please allow additional time for your visit in case of small delays.

We ask that only one person comes to the practice with your pet. This is to limit numbers of people in the waiting room and reduce the number you come into contact with. We have made more space between seats in the waiting room to help you keep a healthy distance from one another.

We ask that clients continue to use hand sanitisers on entry to the practice and again at check in at our reception desk. We ask that where possible please pay by debit card to avoid exchange of money - this is a known vector of the virus so reducing your need to handle money is a good way of safeguarding yourself.

Home visits

At this moment in time we do still offer home visits but we ask you consider the urgency for this. There may come a point over the next days / weeks that this may be a service we can no longer provide should things change. We will keep you posted. If you are self isolating or do not pass the screening process we are unable to visit your home.

Client and pet events

As many of you know we hold various client events for you and your pets, such as Puppy Parties and Tortoise Parties and other informative client events. During this time, we are sadly having to put these gatherings on hold. Stay tuned for upcoming articles from our team offering advice on healthy tortoises to well socialised puppies! Visit our page New Puppy Information

Repeat prescriptions

We would advise owners to ensure you are adequately supplied with long term medications. Please allow 48hours notice when ordering these. Consider having enough medication for 1-3 months. If you would like your prescription posted by recorded delivery for the additional postage fee we are happy to do this and save you coming out.

Your pet and COVID-19

This article from Idexx explains how no cats or dogs have tested positive for COVID-19:

Read more here: Leading Veterinary Diagnostic Company Sees No COVID-19 Cases in Pets

Other useful links

• WHO - Coronavirus (COVID-19) events as they happen
• COVID-19 and Pets - News
• WSAVA COVID-19 and Pets - News

What about our four legged members of the family?

Coronavirus: are pets at risk?

The frightening virus is spreading rapidly, but will it affect our pets?

Coronavirus continues to cause upset and unrest among the human population, but does it pose a risk to our pets too?

Can the virus affect pets/animals?

Not at the moment. There’s no evidence that pets can catch the disease, or that they can transmit COVID-19 between humans.

Will this always be the case?

At the moment, it’s difficult to be sure. The coronavirus outbreak has sent the UK and the rest of the world into uncharted territory and it’s unclear what the next steps will be.

It’s important to be on the lookout and to contact a medical professional if you feel unwell. Likewise, give us a call if your pet seems unwell.

If I’m poorly, should I worry about spreading illness to my pet?

COVID-19 is not yet known to affect pets, but similar viruses can be transmitted from humans to pets and vice versa.

To be on the safe side, stay as hygienic as possible. Wash your dog’s paws thoroughly after a walk and wash your hands regularly. At home, clean your pet’s sleeping/living area regularly and if you’re ill, keep physical contact to a minimum… and avoid letting your pet lick your face altogether.

Concerns about exposure to the virus…

If your pet is ill and you think exposure to coronavirus is the cause of their symptoms, give us a call before your visit. It’s important to make your veterinary team aware.

Symptoms of illness may include:

• Coughing and sneezing
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Reluctance to eat, drink or move
• A change in personality
• Lethargy or tiredness

Keep up with the news…

The COVID-19 virus has caused a great deal of unrest and uncertainty, but do your best not to panic. Keep an eye on the news, both for trusted advice and for what is happening in your area.

Meanwhile, stay as hygienic as possible and be sure to give your doctor a call if you’re feeling at risk. As ever, if you’re worried about your pet, don’t hesitate to;

Call us

01453 542092 or 01453 547934