Update November 2020 Regarding COVID-19 Protective Measures at Oakwood Veterinary Hospital:
Of course the health and well-being of your pets has always been our primary concern. But with the on-going Coronavirus Pandemic, we must continue to concern ourselves with your health as well as the health of our staff.
We had hoped to be back to in-person, in-clinic visits by now, but unfortunately that is not possible at this time because of the rise in cases, particularly in our area. Several local veterinary hospitals have had employees test positive for the Coronavirus, which has necessitated quarantining of staff and partial shutdowns of these clinics.
Obviously this is devastating to the individuals and their families, but the business itself is impacted too. Even temporary closures force clients to seek veterinary care elsewhere when their primary veterinary hospital is shut down. This in turn over-burdens the hospitals who remain open. Please understand these closures have occurred despite curb-side measures, and despite universal mask-wearing by the hospital staff. We are sure lifting restrictions would exponentially increase the positivity amongst veterinary staff, forcing more shutdowns and a resultant lack of veterinary care. Please be patient and understand we would prefer not to have to practice by curb-side. Hopefully the light is at the end of the tunnel, and we will continue to reevaluate our policies as we receive more information and guidance from the CDC, State of Michigan, the Grand Traverse Health Department, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association.
To play our part in reducing the chances of spreading the Coronavirus and COVID-19 in our community we will continue to do the following:
- All appointments will be “Curb-Side”. You will arrive at your scheduled appointment time and call our office at 231-941-7241 upon arrival. A technician will confirm the reason for your visit and take a brief history, then will either meet you at the door or your car to bring your pet into the building. A doctor will then examine your pet, perform any requested services or tests, and can discuss any further diagnostic tests, treatments or medications. A receptionist will then call for payment by credit card over the phone. Afterwards, your pet will be returned to you in the parking lot.
- We also will offer "Day Care" services. This would mean you drop your pet off for a period of time and we will complete any requested or recommended services while you return to work or home. The doctor will call to discuss our findings and any suggested testing or treatments, then arrange a pick-up time. Charges can be paid over the phone when you return and we will deliver your pet and any medications to you.
- We will offer curb-side pick up of food and medication. Simply call ahead with requests, then call when you arrive in the parking lot for curb-side payment and delivery.
- For our protection and yours, we will continue to sterilize door pulls, floors and exam tables with cleaning products which will kill the Coronavirus. Our staff members are always masked for our interactions with you in the parking lot and we remain masked in the building. Please wear a mask yourself when we interact with you to pick up or deliver your pet or medications or if we collect payment curb-side. We will use our own leashes when we bring your dog into and out of the building, and these leashes are sterilized between appointments. If your pets are delivered in a carrier, we will wipe down and sanitize any handles or door pulls before returning the carrier to you.
- Of course we ask that you please NOT come to the hospital at all if you or anyone you have come in contact with is ill, has been out of the area in the past 14 days, or have been exposed to COVID-19. If this is the case, we can discuss your pet's problem over the phone and hopefully offer medication or a treatment plan that does not require a hospital visit at this time.
Important Forms: |
|
