As restrictions regarding Test and Trace are now being removed, we are pleased to say that we can now allow clients back into the consulting room with their pets. For the time being we do still ask that you wear a face covering at all times when on surgery premises. Please do not attend the surgery if you are unwell or have any symptoms of Covid, but telephone the surgery so that we can make appropriate arrangements for the treatment of your pet.

As the Government reduces the lockdown and the Covid 19 incidence reduces, we are now in a position where we can start to ease some of the restrictions we have had in place on which appointments can be offered. It is important that diseases in animals are guarded against, as the intensive treatment required in treating some of the preventative diseases poses a greater risk of Covid transmission as well as significant cost to pet owners. We are therefore now in a position to catch up on vaccinations that have previously been delayed. We are still working behind closed doors which makes each appointment take longer than normal, so we are prioritising appointments based on disease risk. Rabbits currently still have the highest risk of fatal disease without vaccination which is why we have not stopped vaccinating rabbits during the Covid 19 Lockdown and they will continue to take priority at present. We are now catching up on first annual boosters for dogs and cats and, where we can, we will be looking at annual boosters for older animals. Priority will be given to those pets whose vaccinations are overdue due to the earlier restrictions.

In anticipation of more stringent controls by the government, starting from the morning of Monday 23/03/2020 we have instituted additional measures to help protect our clients and staff from Covid 19. We have introduced a contact free, closed door policy, and clients will not be permitted to enter the premises themselves except in extraordinary circumstances. The surgery is still operating, but the doors are being kept locked, you are requested to telephone from outside the building to let us know you have arrived. We will be working in reduced numbers so you may not see anybody sitting at the reception desk, as staff will possibly working away from the reception area. For pets requiring treatment, they will be collected at the door and you requested to remain outside or in your vehicle whilst your pet is examined, and any required treatment given. The veterinary surgeon will discuss any issues with you by telephone. You will also need to make payment for treatment over the telephone, as we will not be accepting cash at this time, and your pet together with any ongoing medication required will be handed back to you at the door. Consent forms for procedures, where required, will be issued by email in advance where possible. We request that you complete these and email them back to us once signed, we will not require a paper copy from you. If you are unable to print and sign the document, you may simply reply to our email giving your consent and answering any questions on the form. 

If you have ordered pet food or medication from us, then again telephone when you arrive, and payment will be taken over the phone. The medication or food will then be left by the door so that you can collect it without direct contact with staff. To avoid several people waiting outside together, we are spreading appointments apart as far as possible and if anybody else is waiting please ensure you remain a safe distance apart as advised by the government. Obviously, there will be greater strain on our telephone lines so wherever possible please use our online appointment booking system for appointments and our online order form to order repeat medication or pet food. All these measures will be more time consuming, there may well be delays at times. We appreciate this will be frustrating and inconvenient, but please understand that this must be done in order that we can continue to provide treatment for the welfare of your pets.

From Tuesday 24/03/2020 the practice staff will be operating in two separate teams on a rota with each team alternating working four days on and four days off. This is so that if a member of one team becomes unwell that team can isolate whilst the other team continues to work. This may mean that it will not always be possible for your pet to be examined by your preferred member of staff, however the teams will remain in contact with each other by telephone and video link so that any concerns can be discussed between them.

In the coming days we hope to be introducing video consultations so that you can speak to the vet or nurse from your home by video link and your pet assessed remotely. This will enable us to give you further advice on treatment and decide if your pet needs to come to the surgery for a physical examination or not. Further details will follow once this is finally setup.