Needless to say, it's been a heck of a week. We are changing our policies daily as new information becomes available and the situation evolves. Here are the current policies:
1. Curbside service: DO NOT ENTER the building but instead call from your car and we will come get your pets. Prescriptions and food pick up will be handled in the same manner.
2. If you have any symptoms please cancel your appointment and DO NOT bring your pets in. If your appointment is non-emergent please consider rescheduling for a later date.
3. All non-emergent tech appointments will be rescheduled effective Monday 3/23/2020.
4. We are only accepting card payment over the phone. No cash or check. Please don't hand us your card. Please help social distance!
5. We are trying to conserve PPE equipment in case we are called to donate what we have into the human medical supply. Please be patient if we cannot see your pet or perform things like anal glands and toe nail trims.
We have had several questions about Coronavirus in dogs and cows. "Will the cattle coronavirus vaccine work for COVID-19?" "Why does my puppy get vaccinated for coronavirus and I can't?"
The vaccines for dogs and cattle are different strains and will not protect you from COVID-19.
"Veterinarians are familiar with other coronaviruses. Similar but different coronavirus species (strains) cause several common diseases in domestic animals. Many dogs, for example, are vaccinated for another species of coronavirus (Canine Coronavirus) as puppies. However, this vaccine does not cross protect for COVID-19." (Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine)
Can dogs and cats get COVID-19? At this time, it seems like the answer is no but the pet could potentially transmit the virus if the pet is in a home with someone infected with the virus. According to the AVMA website there is agreement between experts "there is no evidence at this point indicating pets become ill with COVID-19 or that they spread it to ther animals, including people."
Additionally the AVMA states: "If you are not ill with COVID-19, you can interact with your pet as you normally would, including walking, feeding, and playing. You should continue to practice good hygiene during those interactions. Out of an abundance of caution, it is recommended that those ill with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. Have another member of your household take care of your pet."
Here are some great resources below, and we will continue to update the blog as we make changes.
Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine
American Veterinary Medical Association