We understand the growing concerns regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our top priority is maintaining the health and well-being of our clients, patients, and employees.First and foremost, we have no evidence to this point that family pets can be infected with the COVID-19 virus. This being said, it is still prudent to maintain good hygiene and isolation principles if you are sick. Viral particles can be carried on the surface of the haircoat, just like it can be passed on inanimate surfaces like clothing. So, it is important that if someone in your household is sick with any of the symptoms of COVID-19, that your pets not be permitted to go back and forth between healthy and sick family members. Just as you would not share food utensils back and forth with a sick family member, please avoid sharing snuggles with your pets.
At this time, our hospital will continue to operate on its normal schedule. We recognize that pets will still need care, even as this virus spreads to more and more people in our area.
We Ask That If You Are Sick Or Showing Any Of The Signs Associated With COVID-19 (Flu-Like Symptoms Such As Cough, Fever Or Shortness Of Breath) Or If You Have Been In Close Proximity With Anyone With COVID-19, That You Not Come Into The Office. In These Instances, Non-Critical Appointments Should Be Rescheduled. For Critical Cases, Please Adhere To The Following Protocols:
1. When you call to schedule your appointment, please let the staff member you speak with know that you are ill or have had direct exposure to COVID-19 and you will need curbside service. If possible, have someone else bring your pet to this appointment.
2. Upon arrival for your pet’s appointment, stay in your car. Call the office to let us know you have arrived and a staff member will come out to meet you at your car.
3. Our staff member will speak to you from the passenger side of the car in order to maintain a safe social distance and then take your pet inside. Remain in your car in our parking lot.
4. Our doctor will examine your pet and call you with a treatment plan or recommendations for further diagnostics.
5. Once the exam is complete, you will be transferred to a staff member to take your payment over the phone. Credit card payments are preferable at this time, however, if you need to pay with cash, please let us know.
6. Your pet will then be escorted back out to your car, along with any medications or products needed.
At This Time, Our Hospital Exam Rooms And Lobby Will Remain Open For Those Who Are Showing No Signs Of Disease. We Will Be Taking The Following Precautions For In-Hospital Visits:
1. Please avoid any handshakes or other physical contact with staff members or other pet owners throughout your visit.
2. Beyond our regular disinfecting measures, we will increase cleaning of all commonly touched surfaces, to include door handles and chairs.
3. We will attempt to limit wait times in the lobby to minimize potential contact with others.
4. If you would prefer to wait in your car until an exam room is available, please call us upon arrival. You will be checked in over the phone, then contacted when the exam room is ready. Your pet will be weighed in the lobby, then you will be escorted directly to the exam room.
Please be aware that in making these efforts, our wait times may be longer than normal. We appreciate your patience as we continue to work to help provide care for pets while this virus is in our community.
Regarding Pre-Paid Services And Deposits:
1. Happy Campers – We understand many employers are instructing people to work from home, therefore you may not require our DayCamp services at this time. If your pet is enrolled in our Happy Campers plan and you would like to suspend this service, please call us or email MCarver@graceparkvets.com.
2. Boarding Deposits – With spring break and the Easter holiday around the corner, many of you have made boarding reservations that required a deposit. If you need to cancel your boarding reservation, please contact us. Any deposits taken will be refunded as a credit to your account or back to your original form of payment.
3. Family Pet Manners and Puppy Class – Puppy classes will be put on hold through the end of March. You may take a break from class and pick back up when class resumes or get a refund for any remaining classes.
Thank you again for your patience as we work through this unfortunate situation that has developed all across the world. We are proud to be doing our part to help minimize the impact on our local community. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office.
