The last few weeks have been challenging for everyone to say the least. Please know as always we are open and here to help you and your pet stay happy and healthy. We have made some changes to our normal procedures so that we can continue to provide the top notch care you expect, while still keeping you and our staff safe.
Until further notice and the Covid-19 crisis is resolving, we will implement the following “curbside” service and new sanitation procedures:
-Temporarily, clients will no longer be allowed in the building. Only our staff and your pets will be allowed inside. You have the option of scheduling an appointment time just as you have always done, or if you prefer you can schedule as a drop off appointment and you can leave your pet for evaluation while you go to work or do other things. Please remember as of the latest Veterinary Medical Association/WHO report, there is still no evidence that your pets can transmit Covid-19 to humans. There is no additional charge to drop off your pet for the day.
-Once you have arrived in our parking lot, simply give us a call at 919-362-1223 to let us know that you are here, and a staff member will be sent immediately out to your car to assist you. The staff member will be wearing gloves and a mask for mutual protection. WE ASK THAT YOU REMAIN IN YOUR CAR TO PREVENT PET/PEOPLE INTERACTION IN THE PARKING LOTS. PLEASE DO NOT WALK AROUND THE HOSPITAL GROUNDS.
-Your pet must be secure on a leash (dogs) or in a pet carrier (dogs or cats). NO PETS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNLESS THEY ARE ON A LEASH OR IN A CARRIER. We don’t want anyone getting loose in the parking lot of course, and also this allows our staff to safely get your pet from you. Once you see the staff member approaching your car, please then get out of your vehicle. The staff member will maintain 6 ft of distance, loop our leash around your pet and will ask you to unhook your leash once they have your pet safe and secured. For cats, we ask that you place their carrier on the ground and step back. The staff member will then get the carrier. Please note the staff has been specifically instructed NOT to enter anyone’s vehicle to obtain pets. Any areas on the carrier that were touched by staff members will be disinfected prior to being returned to you.
-This new rule will apply to ALL patients, including routine appointments and boarders.
-After the medical team evaluates your pet, the doctor will call you to discuss recommendations, obtain a verbal consent for treatment and provide a financial estimate over the phone. Once care is complete, we will return your pet to you in the parking lot.
-All payments will be processed via phone or if you are paying by check or cash it will be taken outside while at your vehicle.
-Food and medication pick-up is easy. Simply give us a call ahead of time as you usually do so that we can get the medications or food ready, and when you pull in, give us a call to let us know you are here. We will check you out promptly over the phone, and bring your items to your vehicle in a matter of minutes.
-If you are unable to come by, you can also visit our online store to have items shipped directly to you. Prescription refills, medications, flea and tick preventatives, food, pet care supplies and other items are available. Simply go to our website and select the “ONLINE STORE” button on the upper right hand side of the home page. We are committed to serving you and will continue to authorize those prescriptions online multiple times daily so that authorizations are timely.
-We are sanitizing between each patient and wearing gloves and masks all day long. We also have increased and intensified our normal sanitation procedures. At multiple times during the day, we are sanitizing the hospital. Due to the time this takes us to complete, we will temporarily not be open late for our regular late hours on Thursdays, and will close on that day at 5:30 pm. All other business hours are the same for now, including Saturday appointments.
Additionally, any staff member that is ill in any way is not allowed in the hospital, period. They also have to obtain a doctor’s examination and note from their doctor to return to work after any illness. Also, staff is taking temperatures at home before coming to work, and we are also taking temperatures twice daily here to ensure that no one develops a fever while at work.
We appreciate your understanding and hope that everyone stays safe during this time. As always, we are committed to providing exceptional care for your pet and if any further changes are warranted, we will be sure to reach out to you via email and post these changes on social media. If you have any questions at all regarding this new policy, please give us a call.
As always, we appreciate your understanding during these unprecedented times as we all try to stay safe and well.
Sincerely,
Dr. Shaylene Snyder, owner.
