COVID-19 Updates

March 19, 2020

We know you are concerned about the health and well-being of your pet as our public health crisis unfolds. We are monitoring the situation closely and putting procedures in place to provide ongoing care for your pet through the next few weeks. The following is the current guidance from the AVMA ( American Veterinary Medical Association):

An important question that has been asked is whether veterinary medicine is considered an “essential business.” AVMA is advocating for all veterinary hospitals and ambulatory practices to be considered essential businesses in any situation in which non-essential businesses are asked to close for COVID-19 risk mitigation. Veterinarians and our teams provide important animal and public health surveillance, deliver essential medical care for ill animals, and ensure that only healthy animals enter the food supply.

Veterinary practices can and should defer elective procedures to preserve medical supplies when circumstances call for that. However, veterinarians must also be able to continue to provide medically necessary care for our animal patients, especially during this time when Americans are spending increased time at home with their pets and ensuring the integrity of our food supply is critical. In doing so, and as needed, veterinarians can adapt our approach to ensure an appropriate level of biosecurity that safeguards the health of our animal patients and their owners.

Healthcare professionals are being asked to conserve personal protective equipment (PPE). All healthcare professionals need to adopt strategies that will allow them to conserve PPE as much as possible, including veterinarians.

• Starting 3/23 all elective procedures will be postponed until surgical masks and gloves become available to the veterinary profession.
• In accordance with WHO, and CDC recommendations of social distancing, we are adopting the following practices:

1. In order to limit potential COVID exposure anyone exhibiting signs/symptoms of infection (Fever, cough, sneezing, congestion, etc) or known exposure are asked to remain at home. We will be glad to provide a telemedicine consult in those cases.
2. It is asked that you allow us to provide “car side” service, meaning – please call us when you are in our parking lot and a member of our staff will bring your pet in while you can remain in your car (especially if children or other family members are with you). Exam findings and treatment recommendations will be discussed with you either outside or via phone.
3. Medication pick up/sample drop off: again we ask that you call and notify us before coming by our facility. We can thereby ensure we have availability of the medication, have it ready and bring out to and/or retrieve patient samples from you.

Thank you for your understanding during these uncertain times. Please call us at (571) 333-2247 if you have any questions or concerns.

Wishing you all health, and compassion.

Dr. Brenda Godlewski