WE’RE 24 MONTHS INTO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
Where are we now?
It’s been a challenging time over the past few months. We appreciate how this global pandemic has turned all of our lives and routines upside down. We recognize the overwhelming stress felt by the outstanding businesses at the heart of our Cabbagetown community and we must acknowledge the resilience of our team at Cabbagetown Pet Clinic. Not surprisingly, our animal hospital has made a number of adjustments in how we deliver care to our patients during these times. Be assured that the level of care given to your pets has never wavered and we are proud to maintain our exceptional level of service at our AAHA-Accredited facility.
We’re extremely thankful that our clients have been so patient and understanding with us during this unprecedented time. Constant adjustments to our protocols were the norm at the beginning of this pandemic and we feel comfortable that our current policies and procedures allow for the utmost safety of our veterinary team, our clients and their pets.
We are also thankful that the crucial veterinary care that we provide was never interrupted and that we were deemed an essential service during the most stressful period of the pandemic. Continued due diligence is the order of the day – we will not be complacent.
Scroll through to find answers to some of our most common questions that we are asked. If you have any other questions or concerns, please Contact Us!
THE TOP 10 PET-RELATED COVID-19 Q&A’S IN CABBAGETOWN
1. When will I be allowed back in the vet clinic with my pet?
We are excited to welcome you back inside the clinic as of Monday, March 7, 2022.
All clients entering the clinic MUST wear a face mask – there are no exceptions to this policy. As we move forward with this new transition, we remind clients that we have a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for abuse of any kind toward our staff members.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding of our COVID-19 protocols.
2. Have you resumed your full-service capabilities? Can I get my dog’s teeth cleaned?
Yes, as the initial curve has been flattened, we are now able to move forward with spays, neuters and all elective surgeries, including preventative dental procedures. We also are providing grooming, laboratory testing, imaging, full preventative/wellness care and sick animal appointments. For existing clients, you can book an appointment here.
Book an Appointment
3. Can I get my pet vaccinated?
Yes, but please note that the veterinary clinic is currently booking vaccine appointments 1-2 weeks out due to changes in scheduling and new pet clinic procedures and protocols related to Covid-19.
4. How long will the appointment be?
With current Covid-19 protocols in place, our veterinarians allow 20-30 minutes for an examination depending on the reason for the visit. Once complete, the veterinarian will call you to discuss any issues and recommended treatments if necessary. Depending on the individual situation, your veterinarian will require an additional 10-15 minutes – on average – to ensure your pet is ready to go home. You will be asked to complete a health questionnaire prior to your arrival. Please ensure that you are available by telephone throughout the appointment period.
5. What Covid-19 protocols have you implemented in your clinic?
- Increasing our already high standards of routine environmental cleaning. All common surfaces are cleaned and disinfected frequently. Between appointments, we have allocated time to clean and disinfect doors, chairs, dog scales and floors where required.
- Mandatory use of masks or face-coverings. All staff are required to wear a mask or face-covering upon entering and remaining within the Cabbagetown Pet Clinic facility.
- Clients are currently NOT permitted in the hospital except under exceptional situations. We have a procedure in place to perform exams without requiring the client to enter the hospital and we ensure that you have the ability to discuss your pets care and receive timely answers to all of your questions with the attending veterinarian prior to discharge of your pet.
- Debit terminal payments – we wipe down the terminal between EVERY transaction. We prefer telephone transactions, as this reduces the use of the terminal (and cash) to help with our social-distancing efforts.
6. Can I order my prescription food online?
Yes, our VETSTORE offers easy and convenient 24/7 access to your pet’s prescription food and treats. It even allows you to automatically re-order, if you happen to forget. Products can be shipped directly to your home, cottage or office. You will receive a follow up email letting you know when your order has been shipped. You can also order online and arrange pick up at our clinic either by through the webstore, email, phone or through your personalized PetPage APP.
Current Covid-19 protocols prevent us from allowing our clients into the clinic however we are happy to provide curbside non-contact delivery. Call us once you’ve arrived and we will place your order outside at the appropriate drop off point. Since your order is prepaid, no contact (debit terminal or cash) with our staff is necessary. Until further notice, this ensures that we comply will the current social distancing guidelines.
7. Are pets from a shelter safe to adopt?
The risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is low, based on the limited information available to date. There is currently no supporting data to conclude that any animals – including shelter pets – play a significant role in spreading the SARS-CoV-2 virus to humans.
8. Can my pet contract COVID-19?
The short answer is ‘yes’, but the probability that pets in the household of a COVID-19 case will be exposed and become infected is believed to be low. Although there’s been limited testing, there has only been a handful of confirmed reports worldwide of pets contracting SARS-CoV-2 from households that have experienced a human Covid-19 case. It’s important to remember that COVID-19 is spread almost exclusively person-to-person, so if you’re not infected it’s unlikely the virus will be transmitted to your pet.
9. Can an infected pet transmit the SARS-CoV-2 virus to humans?
Despite the worldwide pandemic, there have no documented cases of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from a household pet to a person.
The possibility of transmission by an infected companion animal to a person is currently considered low, although it may be higher for veterinarians or veterinary technicians who could have close contact with pets from COVID-19 positive households.
The possibility exists that the SARS-CoV-2 virus deposited on a pet’s fur by an infected owner could survive – at minimum – for a few hours. Whether or not these animals could shed a sufficient amount of virus to result in transmission to humans remains doubtful.
To stay safe, the best way to avoid this possible transmission vector is to not cuddle, kiss, sneeze around, or even stroke someone else’s pet.
*IMPORTANT* A pet owner is much more likely to transmit the virus TO their pet than to get it FROM their pet.
10. As a pet parent, what precautions should I take?
At this stage, there are no specific precautions pet owners can take, regardless of images in the news of pets in face masks. Only in the unfortunate event that you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have a pet, it is recommended (until more is known) that:
- Avoid close contact with your pet – do not cuddle or kiss them, do not let them lick your face, sit on your lap or sleep in your bed.
- Sounds obvious, but avoid coughing and sneezing on your pet. Not a good practice in the best of times…
- Wash your hands before touching or feeding your pet or other animals.
- Limit your pet’s contact with other people and animals.
We know that pets are vital to our wellbeing especially in times of uncertainty. We know many stories of pets in our community who provided comfort and security to their human partners during the worst times of the pandemic, but what a time to be a cat or dog! The memes on the internet were spot on with all of the canine complaints about never ending dog walks and feline exasperation with everyone home all day! There definitely were bright spots that shone through all of the worry and unknowns and our furry family members were front and center.
Thank you again for trusting us in the care of your pets. We value your business and we stand together to continue to “flatten the curve” and keep our community safe.
Many thanks to the efforts Dr. Scott Weise and Dr. Maureen Anderson at the Ontario Veterinary College’s Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses. Their contributions to the Worm & Germs blog and guidance to the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association have been an invaluable resource since the start of the pandemic to veterinarians both in Ontario and worldwide.