Despite the risks involved with the current pandemic, veterinary clinics around the country are working harder than ever to continue offering compassionate care to pets in need. However, it isn’t business as usual. Each clinic has its own protocol in order to protect the health, safety, and well-being of their staff members, clients, and patients.
Many practices are seeing patients inside, while pet owners wait in their vehicle, and follow up via phone to communicate about the visit. My dog is due for her vaccines and has a couple of issues, due to old age, that I’d like to discuss with her veterinarian. Because I’m no longer working in a private practice setting, I will need to wait outside during my dog’s exam. I have to admit, at her age I prefer the opportunity to be there for her appointment, but totally understand that current circumstances have made this impossible.
After talking with a few pet owners that have similar concerns, and hearing about the new and different stress that this also brings to my past veterinary colleagues, I decided to try and help.
How can I make this visit less stressful for me and my pet?
As pet owners, it is our responsibility to find out what protocols are in place at the veterinary clinic we plan to attend. Many of them have updated information on their websites, or you can call and ask while you schedule your appointment. Please keep in mind, if you don’t like the policies they have in place, this is not entirely under their control and they have a responsibility to protect themselves, their staff, and the public.
When you are scheduling your appointment, be very clear about the reason for your visit. Don’t schedule an appointment for a re-check to get medication refilled, and show up asking for a full exam with a long list of issues that need to be addressed. Being clear about the reasons your pet needs an exam will help your clinic to block the appropriate amount of time for your visit, ensuring that your pet gets the attention that he/she needs and that the clinic can keep appointments running on time.
What should I do to prepare for the visit?
I recommend filling out the forms linked below prior to your visit and giving it to the staff member that will be with your pet during the exam.
*PetSnoot Tip: Upon completion, take a picture of the form on your phone so you can refer to it during a conversation with the doctor.
What should I expect in a curbside veterinary visit?
While different clinics are operating under different rules, many will ask you to call upon arrival and wait inside your vehicle for the hospital staff to come out and retrieve your pet. Once inside, your veterinarian will examine your pet and will call you to discuss the exam. When they have finished, a hospital staff member will come out to your vehicle and return your pet. Expect to pay for your visit over the phone with a credit card.
Below are some tips to make this visit run smoothly for you, your pet, and your veterinarian:
- Be clear on your vehicle make, model, and color upon checking in
- Cats and small dogs should be inside a carrier
- Larger dogs should be on a leash (don’t be offended if the veterinary staff puts another “lead leash” on before removing the dog from your vehicle, as this is the recommended practice to prevent them from slipping out of, or breaking collars)
- Bring your completed patient visit sheet and hand it to the veterinary staff member when they retrieve your pet
- Be open to ordering your medications and pet food via your veterinarian’s online pharmacy to have them delivered to your home
- Please be understanding and patient during your visit
Veterinary visits are stressful enough for pets and pet owners. Adaptations made due to COVID-19 have added even more stress. It is our responsibility as pet owners to continue caring for our pets throughout the pandemic. Arming ourselves with knowledge and adapting to these changes will make the process of veterinary visits much easier.
Have you taken your pet to the vet during the pandemic? If so, we’d love to hear more about your visit.
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