We hope this update finds everyone well as we continue to navigate the latest surge of this pandemic. Moreover, we would like to express our deepest thanks for your ongoing support and patronage, as well as your continued patience and understanding. As stated in our previous status update, we were originally hoping to open our doors and return to semi-normal operations by the end of August. Unfortunately, after monitoring the recent spike in COVID cases and much deliberation, we have decided to extend our curbside service until further notice.
We realize this may not be the news that everyone is hoping for, but the safety of both our staff and clientele remains our top priority, and we believe limiting potential exposure is paramount in achieving this goal. We will still be allowing clients into the building for euthanasia but will require masks while indoors and that clients entering the building are symptom-free. Additional exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Regarding our operations, we have remained open and running at near capacity through the entirety of the current situation. With this being said, as many of you may have encountered when calling for an appointment, we are booking out by several weeks for annual wellness and vaccine appointments as well as surgeries. We will often try to work with owners looking for an appointment within a specific time frame if possible, but if you know that your pet is coming due for their annual visit or vaccinations, calling to schedule an appointment sooner rather than later would be ideal to avoid scrambling at the last minute for availability.
As an additional reminder, please plan for at least 24 to 48 hours for your pet’s prescription refills as these too take time to get doctor approval, to fill, and finally verify before being dispensed.
Lastly, we have limited numbers of reserved appointments for injury or illness exams per day. Although we have also instituted day patient drop-off appointments to allow some flexibility in terms of what we are able to see daily, there is a finite limit to the number of cases we can see. Please understand that we are currently operating on a triage system where we are trying to prioritize the sickest patients first. If we cannot see you and your pet that day or recommend following up with an emergency hospital, it is not because we do not want to see you and your pet but because we have reached the limit of what we are feasibly able to handle for the day. Also, we ask that people remain respectful and realize that we are trying to do the best job that we can given the current situation. We will always strive to treat you and your pets with the utmost respect and ask that you do the same.
Again, we would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to all of you.
Your Family at VAH