As the COVID-19 pandemic takes over the news, social media, and your everyday life, you naturally are worried about how to keep your pet safe. The following three facts will help you and you pet stay safe and healthy during these troubling times, so read on for more details.
To learn about our COVID-19 protocols, click here.
#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, such as:
- Curbside appointments — When you arrive, we may ask you to wait in your car and call us, and a team member will come get your pet. We will communicate via phone to relay important information throughout your pet’s appointment.
- Telemedicine — We may use an app that allows us to communicate through text, photos, or video so we can recheck your pet’s medical condition, evaluate surgical recovery, or triage a new problem if your pet has been seen at our hospital in the last 12 months.
- Increased sanitation — We have increased our already rigorous sanitation routines, and are more frequently wiping down door knobs, counters, and commonly used items.
If your pet needs medical treatment, we are still here to provide the highest standards of care. Contact us about our current operating policies before you head out.