COVID-19 Protocols
A statement to our clients - We're here for you!
At Animal Care Hospital, the health of your family and our staff is just as important to us as the health of your pets. We want to assure you that we plan to remain open for as long as it’s deemed safe to do so, but we will be making some changes to increase safety for our staff and clients. We are closely monitoring new information on COVID-19, following guidance from the Center for Diseases Control and local authorities, and will be updating our temporary policies as new information emerges.
- Visit the Center of Disease Control website (www.CDC.gov) for up-to-date information on the pandemic.
- The American Veterinary Medical Association (www.AVMA.org) has been updating their site with information relating to COVID-19 and pets.
Always be prepared
- We recommend having at least 14 days’ worth of long-term medications and pet food, as well as treats and cat litter.
- For pets on long-term medications, we are authorizing larger quantities of refills when possible, to decrease the number of trips our clients have to take in the next few weeks/months.
- We will also continue to offer access to our online store (https://youranimaldr.vetsfirstchoice.com), which offers home delivery of medications and food to our clients.
3/17/20: The Apple Valley Animal Shelter announced that they are at capacity and are closing to the public until further notice. They will not be taking in any new pets or strays. We urge clients to make sure their pets' microchip information is up-to-date and that all pets wear collars with identification on it in the event that they get out.
Our Staff
- We have always used strict cleaning and disinfecting protocols, but we are increasing the frequency to minimize our clients’ and staff’s exposure.
- We are practicing social distancing as much as possible and will refrain from shaking hands. We are wearing face masks at all times while at work to better protect each other and our clients.
- Our staff already practice excellent hand-washing habits, but will be following all of the CDC’s recommendations for prevention of COVID-19.
- Employees who feel ill will be instructed to stay home and contact their doctor. An employee with a fever will not be allowed to remain at work.
California's Stay-At-Home Order
- On the evening of March 19th, Governor Newsom ordered all non-essential businesses to close and residents to stay at home aside from trips for essential goods and services.
- We know that our services are essential to our clients and their pets, and we will continue to offer care to our patients in need
- To stay in compliance with the order, we will be postponing annual wellness visits and focus our efforts solely on sick and injured pets, as well as vaccination visits for kittens/puppies, and Rabies vaccine visits for all pets.
- This includes postponing elective procedures like spays and neuters, and grooming-only appointments like nail trims and anal gland expressions (unless medically necessary) until this order has been lifted.
- Free Vaccines for Life patients will be granted an extension if their exams are coming due during this time. We’ll send out an email announcement when we return to normal policy requirements and will allow at least 30 days’ grace period thereafter.
Car-Side Service Only
- We are not allowing clients to enter the facility directly. This limits our clients' and staff's likelihood of exposure and allows everyone to stay as healthy as possible while still helping pets.
- While this will take away from the family atmosphere we love at ACH, it is the safest solution during this challenging time.
Thank you!
We'd like to thank you all for your support and understanding during this trying time. We're so lucky to have such wonderful clients and patients!
What to Expect during Your Visit
Visits for Exams
- We are not allowing clients into the building at this time (exceptions are being made for euthanasias)
- When you arrive, remain in your vehicle and call or text 760-247-2092. We'll need to know your name, your pet's name, what car you're in, and your cell phone number.
- When we are ready for your pet, we will give you a call and a technician/assistant will meet you in the parking lot to bring your pet inside to be examined.
- When the exam is completed, Dr Boyd will call you to discuss his findings and recommendations. A staff member will take care of any estimate approvals and payments with you in the parking lot.
Visits for Surgeries and Drop-offs
- We are not allowing clients into the building at this time
- When you arrive, remain in your vehicle and call or text 760-247-2092. We'll need to know your name, your pet's name, and what car you're in.
- A staff member will meet you at your car to finalize paperwork, take care of the deposit, and then bring your pet in to be admitted.
- We'll give you a call when the procedure or treatments are complete and schedule a pick-up time.
- Call or text 760-247-0292 when you arrive for pick-up; a staff member will be out soon to go over discharge instructions and take care of any remaining balance.
Medication and Food Refills
- As always, we request at least a 24 hour notice on refill requests. Please call our office when you are in need of a refill or prescription food
- When you arrive, remain in your vehicle and call or text 760-247-2092. We'll need to know your name, your pet's name, and what car you're in.
- A staff member will meet you at your car with the medication/food and take your payment
Visits for Sick Clients
- Please do not come to the office if you are currently quarantined or actively sick. Delay routine care items until you are well. If your pet is sick or injured, we will provide as much care as possible while still limiting our staff and other clients to exposure
- If you are exhibiting signs of a cold, flu, or COVID-19 (cough, sneeze, fever, congestion) or under quarantine, we ask that you reschedule to a later date if possible, or have a healthy friend or family member bring your pet in on your behalf. If those options aren’t possible, we will have you transfer your pet to our staff with little to no contact- call upon arrival.
- Please do not be offended by these temporary precautions; we are following the CDC recommendations for personal and public safety in order to keep our doors open for our patients.
COVID-19 and Pets
Other Questions You May Have
Can my pet get COVID-19?
- According to the American Veterinary Medical Association update from 3/14/2020: "No evidence has been generated suggesting that dogs and cats can get sick from exposure to COVID-19 or transmit the disease. Nonetheless, the AVMA urges caution and says anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19, the infection caused by the virus, should limit contact with animals and have another member of the household feed, exercise and play with pets; wear a medical mask around service animals; avoid sharing food with pets; avoid face-to-face contact and hugs; and wash hands before and after any contact with pets."
Should I avoid interacting with my pets?
- The American Veterinary Medical Association states: “If you are not ill with COVID-19, you can interact with your pet as you normally would, including walking, feeding, and playing. You should continue to practice good hygiene during those interactions (e.g., wash hands before and after interacting with your pet; ensure your pet is kept well-groomed; regularly clean your pet’s food and water bowls, bedding material, and toys).”
Can my pet spread the Coronavirus from person to person?
- This topic is still being debated. The American Veterinary Medical Association currently recommends: “Out of an abundance of caution, it is recommended that those ill with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. Have another member of your household take care of walking, feeding, and playing with your pet. If you have a service animal or you must care for your pet, then wear a facemask; don’t share food, kiss, or hug them; and wash your hands before and after any contact with them.”