Covid-19 and Your Pet

The Doctors at the Village Veterinary Clinic understand the concern and uncertainty that our community is experiencing surrounding coronavirus (COVID-19) and are committed to the well-being of our patients, clients, and employees.

At this time, we are fully operational and maintaining our normal business hours.

However, we are keeping a close eye on developments as they evolve and how this could affect our patients and how we deliver the care they need.  We are constantly monitoring the most current information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) regarding people, animals and the COVID-19.

At this time, Infectious disease experts, as well as the CDC, OIE, and WHO indicate there is no evidence that pets can become sick nor evidence to suggest that pet dogs or cats can be a source of infection with SARS-CoV-2, including spreading COVID-19 to people. More investigation is underway and, as we learn more, we will update you. As always, because animals can spread other diseases to people and people can also spread diseases to animals, it’s a good idea to always wash your hands before and after interacting with animals.

We are also closely monitoring the guidance of the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and local authorities regarding the spread of the virus to ensure that the actions that we are taking are comprehensive and appropriate.

For the protection of our clients, patients, and employees, The Village Veterinary Clinic will be adhering to the following precautionary and response measures to help us continue to provide a safe and clean environment:

• Although we always maintain our facility in a clean and sanitary environment, we have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting of all high touch surfaces throughout our facility.


• In addition, all CDC guidelines are being closely monitored by our team.


• We are minimizing all person-to-person physical contact. We have asked our team to refrain from shaking hands.


• As always, exam rooms will be disinfected between patients with healthcare grade disinfectant.


• Employees who feel ill are instructed to stay home and consult their healthcare providers.


• We are also urging all employees to be vigilant about frequent hand washing.


• Coughs and sneezes shall be covered.

If after all these precautions, you are still uncomfortable coming into the clinic for any reason, please call us and someone will come out to your car. Also, if you are feeling ill, please ask someone else to bring in your pet.  If that is not possible, call us from your car and we will come retrieve your pet.

In the unfortunate event that you or a member of your family should become ill, we would refer you to the following reference from the CDC entitled “Interim Guidance for Public Health Professionals Managing People With COVID-19 in Home Care and Isolation Who Have Pets or Other Animals.”

 

We would also refer you to the CDC and the AVMA for additional information regarding your pets during this time:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2020-03/covid-19-faq-email.pdf

 

As always, feel free to call us if you have any questions or concerns,

The Doctors and Staff of the Village Veterinary Clinic