We know that life has turned upside down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that raises a lot of questions and concerns for pet owners. Here are three facts we want you to know.
#1: Rely on reputable sources for current COVID-19 information
While you can turn to Facebook for insider information on where to find toilet paper, avoid using social media as your main source about COVID-19. Instead, rely on major animal and human health organizations for the most current, accurate research about this evolving situation. A few reputable sources include:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
#2: There is no evidence to indicate pets can become ill with COVID-19
A major veterinary diagnostic laboratory tested thousands of canine and feline samples for COVID-19 when validating a veterinary test, but found no positive results. Additionally, the CDC and WHO have received zero reports of a pet who was ill from COVID-19. Based on the current evidence, health officials have declared there is no indication that pets can become sick from COVID-19. So, your coughing dog is likely not sick with COVID-19, but another disease, such as kennel cough, congestive heart failure, or a collapsing trachea.
#3: We’re taking every precaution to protect you and our team while still keeping your pet healthy
As a vital part of the health care community, we will remain open and continue to provide important medical care for your pet. As this situation continues to unfold, we may make protocol changes to protect everyone involved. We have already put the following in place:
- Curbside appointments — While we, unfortunately, cannot perform routine elective surgeries for now, we are still seeing appointments curbside as usual. Please remember to call 503-556-3084 once you arrive in the parking lot, and our front staff will happily check you in for your appointment or pick up your medication/food prescription. A team member will then come to you and help assist your pet into the building, where we will call and go over all the exam findings and diagnostics/treatments to be performed.
- Increased sanitation — We have increased our already rigorous sanitation routines and are more frequently wiping down doorknobs, counters, and commonly used items.
Our goal, as always, is to keep our team and our clients safe while still providing excellent, dependable, and economical care. Contact us about our current operating policies before you head out. Thank you so much for your patience during this time!