It’s been a long year since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and we are still practicing curbside care to keep our team, our clients, and our community safe. We know that letting your pet walk into our hospital without you by their side is not easy, but it’s necessary to minimize disease transmission. We hope an end to the pandemic is in sight, and we will continue to follow curbside-care protocols until social distancing and minimal contact can be safely discontinued. And, while we know that not being physically present for your pet’s appointment is difficult, rest assured our team is providing your furry pal top-notch care and plenty of snuggles and kisses. To help ease your concerns, our LaGrange Veterinary Hospital team answers some common questions we hear about curbside care for pets and what it entails.

Question: What is curbside care for pets?

Answer: Curbside care has been implemented in many businesses since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, to reduce contact and maintain social distancing. Here at LaGrange Veterinary Hospital, we are dedicated to keeping our community—both pets and people—as safe and healthy as possible, so we created our own curbside-care process. During a curbside care appointment, you wait in your car while your pet receives care inside our hospital, which limits the number of people inside, but still ensures your furry pal receives essential medical care. We understand that handing over your pet is difficult. Rest assured they will receive the same level of love and care they always have. 

We ask that you please wait outside while we perform your pet’s exam, diagnostic testing, and treatment, and that you’re available on your phone so we can discuss any health issues. If you need to leave or will be unreachable by phone, let us know when you bring your pet so we can make the proper arrangements.   

Q: Why is curbside care for pets so important?

A: While the pandemic is showing signs of slowing down, thanks to more widespread vaccinations and proper hygiene and social distancing measures,  the infection risk is still high. In a small exam room, remaining six feet apart is not easy, especially when pets need restraint for vaccinations, blood draws, nail trims, and physical exams. To minimize potential disease transmission, our team works closely together, but not with the general public. 

Q: When will pet care be back to normal?

A: We’d love to welcome pet owners back into our hospital with their pets, but we’re unsure when that will be possible. For now, we will continue curbside care for the foreseeable future, but we’ll keep you posted on any changes in our protocols.

Q: What happens when my pet enters your hospital?

A: We understand how worried you may be about letting your pet enter our hospital without you. But, don’t be concerned. Our level of care has not changed, and we take every step possible to ensure your pet is comfortable and relaxed during their appointment. We’ll admit we likely will take a few more selfies with your adorable pet so have no doubt your furry pal is in great hands with our loving team.

Q: How should I prepare for my pet’s curbside appointment?

A: When scheduling your pet’s appointment, we’ll let you know our current protocol and what to expect. If at any time you want more answers about our current curbside-care process, do not hesitate to call our hospital. However, come prepared to wait in your vehicle while we examine and treat your pet. Have your charged cell phone handy so we can call you with questions or results. While we’re working hard to minimize wait times and return your pet as soon as possible, sometimes waits may be longer than usual, so let us know if you have to be somewhere else soon. If you need to leave the parking lot, let us know, and keep your phone turned on so we can reach you. Overall, curbside care can run smoothly when we’re all prepared and know what to expect, so please reach out with any questions or concerns.

During the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, our LaGrange Veterinary Hospital team is doing our part to keep our community safe and healthy. By adhering to curbside-care protocols, we’re maintaining social distancing, as well as our typical high standard of pet care. Although you aren’t by your pet’s side, rest assured they’re still receiving the same gentle, compassionate care. Our team is here for you and your beloved companion, despite the global pandemic. Give us a call to schedule an appointment.