Dear clients and friends,
Since the COVID-19 pandemic is lasting longer than any of us anticipated, we would like to share with you exactly which protocols we have in place and why we have them in place.
We certainly understand that you would like to be with your pet during his/her exam and we would love to be able to allow our clients to come into the clinic like we used to. There is a lot of varying information out there regarding COVID-19 but there appears to be consensus on one thing: this virus is highly contagious. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has come up with guidelines to minimize exposure risk for everyone. This includes offering curbside service only at this time and not allowing clients into the clinic. Wearing a mask and gloves definitely reduces exposure risk but our exam rooms are small and keeping the proper distance is difficult. We have a responsibility to our staff and clients to provide a safe environment and we are doing the best we can. The only time we make an exception is for euthanasia; we all agreed that we will take the risk to be exposed so that our clients can be with their pets in their final moments.
The following paragraphs will explain our protocols:
We are open with normal business hours. We are using curbside check-in for all appointments to help limit exposure of COVID-19. Please text (770-835-5026) or call us (770-867-6134) when you have arrived for your appointment.
Upon arrival at the hospital, please remain in your vehicle. Once you have called or texted the clinic, a technician will come out to your vehicle and collect a history on your pet. We will then take your pet inside for Dr. Capeheart to perform her exam. Dr. Capeheart will then come out to your vehicle to discuss exam findings and to answer any questions. We will perform the services that you approve and bring your pet back out to your vehicle. Payment will be collected over the telephone and a receipt will be emailed to you.
Drop-off appointments, once you have called or texted the clinic a technician will come out to your vehicle and collect the history on your pet and if applicable, ask you to sign paperwork. Dr. Capeheart will discuss recommendations with you over the telephone and perform the services that you approve. We will contact you when your pet is ready to go home. At pick-up, we will bring your pet back to your vehicle. Payment will be collected over the telephone and a receipt will be emailed to you.
Medications and products, We will gladly bring medications and pet food to your car. Please, text or call us when you have arrived. Payment will be taken over the phone and a receipt will be emailed to you.
Please understand that we at Barrow Veterinary Hospital are just as frustrated as everyone else with this whole situation and we can’t wait for the day when everything is back to normal. But until then we have to do our part in trying to keep everyone as safe as possible.
Our goal is to keep our essential services available to the communities we serve and be there for you and your pets. Thank you for your cooperation during this unprecedented time.
We anticipate our phone lines will be busier than usual, and therefore, we appreciate your patience!
Sincerely,
Dr. Capeheart and staff at Barrow Veterinary Hospital