The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked questions and concerns over what this means for pet care. Check out these three facts to help you and your pet stay safe and healthy during this time.
#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. Here are a couple of changes we’ve implemented.
- Curbside pick-up — Please call in product/medication requests and pay over the phone. Give us a call or text us when you arrive and we’ll bring the items out to your car.
- Social distancing — Discharge teaching, instructions, and payments will take place from outside the hospital.
- Increased sanitation — We have increased our already rigorous sanitation routines, and are more frequently wiping down doorknobs, counters, and commonly used items.
Thank you for your patience and understanding! Contact us about our current operating policies before you head out.
