Covid-19 Update

 

Do I need to wear a face covering when I visit the practice?

It is now compulsory for people to wear face coverings when entering our practice. Please bring your own face covering with you when you attend your appointment. We have strict social distancing rules in place to keep everyone safe so please follow all the instructions our team give you.

If you are unable to wear a face covering please let our team know before your appointment. We can still care for your pet/animal but you will be unable to enter the premises.

 

Vaccinations

Can I bring my pet in for their annual vaccination booster?

We are now able to perform vaccinations in pets. There may be some delays in bookings due to us catching up after the COVID-19 restrictions. If you call the practice, we will be able to book in your pet for its booster at an appropriate time.

Your appointment will be quite different to previous occasions due to the government guidance around social distancing recommendations. Please follow all the instructions given to you prior to, and during, your visit with your pet. This will ensure any procedures are done as safely as possible for you and our teams.

Can I bring my dog in for a kennel cough vaccine?

We are now able to undertake kennel cough vaccines in dogs in most cases, so long as social distancing can be maintained. If you call the practice, we will be able to discuss this and organise an appropriate time. Sometimes this will be given at the same time as your dogs annual booster.

Your appointment will be quite different to previous occasions due to the government guidance around social distancing recommendations. Please follow all the instructions given to you prior to, and during, your visit with your pet. This will ensure any procedures are done as safely as possible for you and our teams.

Can I bring my pet in for an initial vaccination course?

We are now able to see puppies and kittens for their vaccinations.. If you call the practice, we will be able to book in your puppy or kitten for its vaccinations at an appropriate time.

As normal, we would recommend that puppies and kittens should be kept in your home and garden until after their second vaccination, so they aren’t exposed to infections we worry about.

Your appointment will be quite different to previous occasions due to the government guidance around social distancing recommendations. Please follow all the instructions given to you prior to, and during, your visit with your pet. This will ensure any procedures are done as safely as possible for you and our teams.

Routine appointments

Can I bring in my pet for a routine health check?

At the moment, for the protection of you and our team, in some cases we may ask that routine health checks are performed differently as we return towards a more normal way of working. So, depending on availability, we may recommend conducting a health check via a video or telephone consultation, answering any questions you have. We can also prescribe medications if needed.

Can I bring my pet in for nail clips or to have their anal glands expressed?

In most cases we will now be able to perform these services. Please contact us to discuss and make a booking as appropriate.

Emergencies

What if it is an emergency?

Please continue to contact us in an emergency. Please call the practice as you usually would, and we will organise for you or someone else to bring them to the practice so we can care for them. We have strict social distancing regulations in place at our premises and we will need you to follow our instructions to keep everyone safe.

Food and medication

How can I get my repeat food orders or medicines for my pet?

It is important that you continue to give your pet the appropriate food and medication and we will help make sure your pet gets what they need. Please contact your practice to make suitable arrangements.

It would be a good idea to give at least 7 days’ notice of your requirements to ensure we can get them to you when you need them.

In some cases, we will need to have a consultation with you before we can give you more medications, which may be via telephone or video or in person. We will guide you through this process and make sure your pet gets what they need.

How can I get my flea, worms, tick and flystrike treatments?

It is important that you continue to give your pet the appropriate treatments and we will help make sure your pet receives them. Please contact your practice to make suitable arrangements.

It would be a good idea to give at least 7 days’ notice of your requirements to ensure we can get them to you when you need them.

Operations and blood tests

Can my pet still have planned operations e.g. neutering?

We are now neutering rabbits, cats and dogs.There may be some delays in bookings due to us catching up after the COVID-19 restrictions but please contact us so we can make appropriate arrangements.

Can my pet still have emergency operations?

Absolutely! If your pet needs to see us in an emergency, then we will see them at the practice and if they need an operation, we can do this.

What about ultrasounds and blood tests?

The majority of procedures are now being performed as usual. Your practice will explain to you what is being recommended for your pet and can discuss any concerns you may have.

Your practice is here to support you and your pet.  Please contact your practice via phone or email, if you are worried about these changes.  As healthcare professional we appreciate your ongoing support and understanding during these difficult times.

Pets and Covid-19

Can my pet give me COVID19?

No, there is currently no evidence that says your pet can infect you with the COVID19 virus.

The biggest risk to you is another person with the virus so you need to follow the government recommendations of social distancing and washing your hands.

We advise that you wash your hands before and after playing with and feeding your pet, and that you don’t touch anyone else’s pet.

 

Can animals get infected with COVID19 virus?

A cat has recently been diagnosed with the COVID19 virus which it caught from its owner. Both the cat and owner have now recovered. This is a really rare event.

A very small number of animals have tested positive for the virus and have always been in contact with a person with COVID19. Current evidence does not suggest that they can spread the virus.

They are, however, like any other ‘surface’ (e.g. a door handle or shopping trolley) so if they are touched by an infected person they could carry it on their fur. So, please wash your hands before and after handling them to keep yourself safe.

Do I need to keep my cat inside?

No, if your cat usually goes outside then it may harm their health and welfare if you shut them inside

How do I care for my pet if I have or think I have COVID19?

Reduce the amount of contact with your pet(s) as much as possible. Wash your hands before and after any interaction with them and wear a face mask if possible.

If possible keep you cat indoors but only if they are happy to be kept inside. If you have a dog try and find a friend or neighbour to exercise them for you and make sure they practise good hand hygiene and have minimum contact with you.

If your pet gets ill for any reason whilst you are unwell, please call the practice for advice. We will be able to help you and your pet in the most appropriate way.

Signed by:

Dr Rachel Dean BVMS PhD MSc(EBHC) DSAM(fel) SFHEA MRCVS, Director of Clinical Research and Excellence in Practice

Tim Shearman BSc BVMS CertVC MRCVS, Director of Regulatory & Professional Affairs

Updated 21st August 2020

 

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