COVID-19 Precautions – PESCM
April 19, 2020
What precautions are being taken by PESCM?
There is no higher priority than the safety of our team, patients and clients. As the number of cases of COVID-19 continues to rise nationwide, including in the communities we serve, we have an obligation to help mitigate the spread of the virus.
In our effort to keep our hospitals open to provide care for our pet patients, while also protecting ourselves and the public, we are working within the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and County Public Health Departments to keep our hospitals and staff free of the virus.
We have implemented additional cleaning and sanitizing procedures that meets or exceeds CDC recommendations, including disinfecting all surfaces more frequently. Frequent hand washing, using gloves and avoiding touching our nose, eyes and mouth are protocols we are following. We will also not be shaking hands or hugging to prevent viral transmission.
Our staff has strict instructions not to come to work if they or someone in their family is sick, coughing or has a fever. Because of this, we may be short staffed at times, causing increased wait times for you and your pet.
Our emergency service continues to work on a triage basis, and the more critically ill patients will be treated ahead of others, meaning pets may not be seen in the order of arrival; please be understanding if it takes us longer than usual to have your pet examined and treated. Our client service representatives will do their best to keep you informed of wait times.
On the flip side of this, we are asking clients to please not come to our hospital if you or a member of your family have a fever, cough, or cold-like symptoms. If possible, please stay home and send your pet with another person to be evaluated and treated. We also ask that all persons not necessary for the decision making regarding your pet’s care stay at home or in their car to decrease the number of people in our lobby and exam rooms.
If you are ill and cannot find another person to bring in your sick pet, please call us once you arrive in the parking lot so we may utilize appropriate protocols to protect our staff. To limit exposure, we will take your pet and ask you to remain in your vehicle.
If your pet needs to be hospitalized, we will not accept toys, bedding, or other personal items.
While there is currently no evidence that pets become ill from COVID-19, nor that they transmit it to other animals and humans, we may take extra precautions with your pet if there is a family member displaying symptoms.
These protocols are in place for the safety of you, your family and our team. Please help us protect our staff and their families who are at increased risk of severe complications.
Thank you for working with us to protect everyone,
The staff of PESCM