COVID-19

If you believe your pet is experiencing an emergency, please call before you arrive so we can provide additional instructions. We may be able to help you determine if emergency care is necessary or if your pet can wait to be seen by your primary care veterinarian.

We are minimizing all person-to-person physical contact at our hospital by following the CDC’s recommendation in keeping a distance of 6 feet between persons wherever possible.

• We have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting of exam rooms and all high touch surfaces throughout our facility with a healthcare grade disinfectant.
• We’ve urged all employees to be vigilant about frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes.
• Employees who feel ill are instructed to stay home and consult their healthcare providers.
• New and additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policies allow us to provide adequate protection to associates while also responsibly preserving PPE for critical services.
• We provide our employees with mental health and wellbeing information and resources.

When you arrive, please remain in your vehicle and call the hospital for assistance. A team member will come outside to retrieve your pet to be seen by the doctor. All doctor consultations will then be held over the telephone to eliminate the risk of exposure. For curbside payment, we offer online payment through PayPal.

We accept cash, American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and CareCredit. We’ve made it safe and easy for you to pay your bill online via PayPal.

Always consider the following a possible pet emergency and seek immediate care:

Symptoms:

• Any difficulties breathing; short or shallow breaths; increased effort; gagging; choking
• Weakness; inability to walk; sudden collapse
• First-time seizure, seizures lasting more than 3 minutes, or multiple seizures in one day
• Non-productive retching/vomiting; swollen or distended abdomen
• Allergic reactions including swelling, rashes, or itching
• Excessive or persistent bleeding
• Inability to urinate; straining to urinate
• Diabetic animals refusing food
• Pregnant animals in active labor for more than one hour without delivering, or going more than 3-4 hours between deliveries
• Bumping into things; becoming disoriented
• Signs of pain such as whining, shaking, hiding, or dull behavior
• Vomiting blood/passing blood in stools/urine
• Changes in behavior, appetite, or elimination

Trauma:

• Bite wounds
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Cuts, lacerations
• Electrical shock
• Eye injuries
• Fall from heights
• Heatstroke, frostbite
• Hit by car; car accident
• Penetrating foreign objects

Ingestion:

• Chocolate
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Household plants
• Antifreeze
• Insecticides
• Rat poison (especially those containing bromethalin)
• Household cleansers
• Pool chemicals
• Human medication
• Bones
• Pennies
• Foreign objects
• Excessive amounts of food or garbage

According to the CDC, we do not have evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19 to people or that they might be a source of infection in the United States.

• According to the CDC, if you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed), you should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people. Although there have been no reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. This can help ensure both you and your animals stay healthy.

• When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick.
• Avoid contact with your pet including, petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food.
• If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

For more information, visit the CDC’s article: What to Do if You are Sick.

According to the CDC, at this time, there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can become sick with or spread COVID-19.

Visitation of patients has been suspended to better protect our clients and staff members. We understand that it is difficult to have your pet away from you during the stressful time of a hospitalized visit. We assure you that your pets will be cared for as if they are our own. Our team can send you photos of your pet upon request.