COVID-19 Newsletter

We appreciate the trust you have placed in us as your “other family doctor”. There is no doubt that all of us have been affected by Corona virus (COVID-19). We hope that you and your family (including pets) are safe.

The health and safety of our patients, clients, and team members remains our highest priority as we monitor the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).  As we know this is a primary concern for many of you, the purpose of this email is to share the steps that we are taking. We believe that a veterinarian is an essential part of the health care system. We will continue to offer care to your pets while providing you and our team members a safe environment. We will be following the guidelines of the local and state officials, California Veterinary Board, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and CDC.

While we keep Gold River Pet Hospital clean and disinfected, to ensure safety for our clients and team members, we have increased the frequencies and scope of these cleanings in accordance with the guidelines provided by the health officials and CDC.

We are recommending our team members to stay home if they have symptoms of COVID 19 or have been exposed to a person with COVID 19. We are also encouraging more frequent hand washing as per the guidelines of the public health officials and CDC.

What do I do if I have been exposed to the coronavirus while my pet needs care?

In order to help us continue to serve pets in need, we ask that clients who have recently traveled to a high-risk country, had any exposure to symptomatic or confirmed positive cases, or confirmed positive themselves not bring their pets in the hospital unless they are having a medical emergency.

If your pet is due for routine care, (annual exams, vaccines, dental cleanings, nail trims, or any other non-urgent appointments), please call us to discuss rescheduling to a later time.

If it is determined that your appointment cannot be rescheduled for medical reasons, and your appointment is necessary, we ask that you have a healthy family member or friend bring your pet to the visit.

If it is determined that your pet needs to be seen due to medical reasons, and you cannot arrange another family member or your friend to bring your pet in, please inform us of your situation and we will make every effort to accommodate.

I have not been exposed and my pet is scheduled for a visit or is sick:

If your pet is sick or scheduled for routine care, we are open and fully operational.  We recommend you follow these simple steps:

1. While in the waiting area, maintain distance between you and other clients and pets
2. After checking in at the reception, you have an option to wait in your car.  We will contact you when we are ready to see your pet.
3. Limit the number of people who accompany each pet to the hospital
4. If you need to pick up food or medications for your pet, please call and we can arrange shipping of any food or prescriptions directly to your home (Home Delivery).
5. Use a hand sanitizer or the restrooms to wash your hands.

Here’s some key information about COVID-19 (https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19)

• Infectious disease experts and multiple international and domestic human and animal health organizations agree that so far there is no evidence at this point to indicate that pets become ill with COVID-19 or that they spread it to other animals, including people.
• 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).
• 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. 
• As always, careful handwashing and other infection control practices can greatly reduce the chance of spreading any disease.
  
  

You can also get the latest information from reputable sources such as:

1. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
2. World Small Animal Veterinary Association: Coronavirus & Companion Animals Advice
3. World Organization for Animal Health (OIE): Questions and Answers on the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
4. American Veterinary Medical Association: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19

We are very closely monitoring this situation.

If you have any questions, please call us at 916-638-5838 or email us at goldriverpethospital@gmail.com