COVID-19

As you may be aware in order to reduce social contact and reduce the spread of COVID-19 we have taken the decision, in line with RCVS guidance, to put a pause on routine treatments (Vaccines, neuters, medication and health checks etc).

We are very aware that many of you will have concerns regarding the health and welfare of your pets and as always, that is still our first priority. To this end would would like to invite you, if you have any concerns or are due a repeat medication check, 6 month healthcheck or vaccination, to call us where we can carry out a video consultation via Skype, Facetime or our dedicated veterinary platform, where we can assess your pet and if required we can prescribe medication or ask you to come in for a physical appointment. For those without the technology to access video consultations we can still perform as much as possible over the phone.

There is a reduced fee for these ‘remote’ consultations of just £30 for the initial appointment or £24 for a repeat consultation. These fees will be refunded if a physical in-clinic appointment is required.

We are supplying medications as normal and can even arrange delivery for those clients unable to come to the surgery – a nominal fee to cover fuel cost will be charged for this service. Please ask if you would like to arrange a food or medicine delivery.

When coming for a consultation or collecting medication or food order please call us from your car if possible when you arrive at the surgery and we can come out to see you.

As always we are fully available for any of our patients needing emergency treatment – please call on 01485 544201 during normal hours or 07816 357216 outside normal hours.

We are currently awaiting advice for pet owners infected with COVID-19 to be produce by DEFRA, however there is currently no evidence that pets can catch or pass on COVID-19 (there is one isolated case of a dog in Hong Kong that has since tested negative) and there is no requirement or benefit to rehoming your pets. Humans are infected by other humans, not by animals. If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 the current recommendations form the British Veterinary Association are:

• Restrict contact with pets as a precautionary animal health measure until more information is known about the virus.
• If your pet requires care, wash your hands before and after any interaction with them and wear a face mask if possible.
• Keep cats indoors if possible and try to arrange for someone else to exercise dogs, taking care to restrict any contact with the person walking your dog and making sure they practice good hygiene. This is to reduce the likelihood of your pet spreading the disease through environmental contamination on their fur – there is no evidence that pet animals play a role in the spread of the disease or that they become sick themselves.
• If your pet shows clinical signs, please do not take it to the vet but call the practice for advice.
• If your pet requires emergency treatment, call the practice for further advice. Do not take your pet to the surgery unless the vet instructs you to. You may need to arrange for someone else to transport your pet for treatment.