Veterinary care has been deemed an essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic, and there are dedicated professionals committed to providing much-needed attention to your furry, four-legged friends.
Some practices are rescheduling routine appointments until life returns to normal, but veterinarians and veterinary technicians are taking precautions to ensure they can still administer emergency care.
Shelburne Falls-based Dr. Robert Sidorsky, who operates Mobile Veterinary Services of Western Massachusetts, said his practice model is a perfect fit for these unprecedented times. He travels across the region bringing animal care to your door. He can still conduct examinations, blood tests, vaccinations and minor procedures, though there is a temporary moratorium on ultrasounds and surgery.
Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, Sidorsky performed medicine inside people’s home. But with social distancing guidelines set to curb the spread of the virus, he has started treated his patients outside — on front lawns, back porches and decks.
“Animals and owners seem to not mind being outside,” he said, adding that many may actually prefer it.
Sidorsky said he and his crew wear protective gear and N95 face masks — which reportedly filter out 95 percent of airborne particles — given to him by a neighbor who works as a cabinetmaker.
Sidorsky also still administers at-home euthanasia.
Pioneer Valley Veterinary Hospital’s doors are staying open at 571 Bernardston Road in Greenfield, though clients will not be allowed inside the building and the practice is temporarily a curbside service.
Clients coming in for an appointment are asked to bring a cell phone with them and call the practice when they arrive. A technician will speak with the person over the phone about concerns and will come outside to take the pet to be examined by the veterinarian. Communication may continue via cell phone while the pet is in the building. Anyone without a cell phone is asked to knock on the front door and team members will come to assist.
Cash will be accepted but credit card payments, which are preferred, will be processed over the phone. Anyone picking up food or medication is asked to call ahead so the items are ready and the payment can be processed over the phone. People should call when they arrive and their items will be brought out.
The practice is still offering boarding but, again, people should call when they arrive so someone can come out to the vehicle to get the animal.
A COVID-19 update on the practice’s website asks everyone to be patient during these challenging times.
“We are striving to remain open so we can continue to treat the medical needs of our patients,” the website states. “As always, call us with any questions, that is what we are here for!”
VCA Adams Animal Hospital in Athol is also open for business and taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of all animals and humans.
According to certified veterinary technician Danielle Rouleau, the new curbside check-in and check-out allows for social distancing between clients and the health care team. She also said the building at 1287 South Main St. is being cleaned, disinfected and sanitized “beyond our existing high standards,” and there are revised team member workflows to comply with social distancing practices.
There are also new and additional personal protective equipment (PPE) policies that allow the practice to provide adequate protection to associates while preserving PPE for critical service. Increased benefits also enable associates to take off the time they need during the pandemic.
VCA Adams Animal Hospital is also lowering the cost of its home delivery service for prescription refills, pet food and medications.
“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 to the hospital unless they are having a medical emergency,” Rouleau said in an email.
It is preferred that routine care appointments be rescheduled.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.