03/17/2020
An UPDATE on COVID-19 and Your Pets - Because We Care
Garden Grove Dog and Cat Hospital would like to give you a quick update on COVID-19 and the steps we are taking to help ensure that your pets will continue to receive their necessary care. We believe that veterinary medicine is an “essential” service, perhaps now more than ever. The Human-Animal Bond is among our most crucial needs helping us navigate through times of strife or crisis. Our pets are integral parts of our families and we will attempt to make every effort to safeguard their health and well-being. This being said, it is essential that we work together to help maintain the health and effectiveness of our veterinary team to continue to support our clients and patients. The current COVID-19 situation is fluid and rapidly developing. Here is some information for your consideration:
Garden Grove Dog and Cat Hospital is making significant efforts to maintain the well-being of both our clientele and staff members. We have increased our disinfection protocols and are limiting the number of clients in our reception area and our exam rooms. We are adopting enhanced drop off options for healthy pets with elective surgeries and procedures. As the situation is rapidly changing, we are currently investigating additional options to help maintain the health and safety of both our staff and clients while providing the essential care necessary for our patients.
Your Pets and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Currently, there is no evidence that pets can become sick. Infectious disease experts, as well as the CDC, OIE, and WHO indicate there is no evidence to suggest that pet dogs or cats can be a source of infection with SARS-CoV-2, including spreading COVID-19 to people. More investigation is underway and as we learn more, we will update you. However, because animals can spread other diseases to people and people can also spread diseases to animals, it’s a good idea to always wash your hands before and after interacting with animals.
If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed), you should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. This can help ensure both you and your animals stay healthy.
When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. Avoid contact with your pet including, petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them.
For Any Pet Visit to Garden Grove Dog and Cat Hospital
It is essential that anyone displaying symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, or shortness of breath) or who has traveled internationally in the last 14 days or to an area in the United States with high incidence of COVID-19 call from the car to discuss the situation. We have plans in place to help ensure your pet receives the care it needs. This can include having a staff member in personal protective equipment meet you at your car to bring the pet into ourhospital.
- As we are a “walk-in” facility, and to avoid a crowded reception lobby, we are currently advising clients to call our office when arriving in our parking lot to be placed on our waiting list. Wait with your pet(s) in your vehicle and we will call when an exam room becomes available. In the event of an “emergency situation” our staff members can join you at your vehicle to bring your pet into the hospital for more immediate evaluation.
- Visits to hospitalized patients will be significantly limited. Please contact our doctors or hospital manager if you have concerns about visitation.
- No personal items can be kept with the pet while hospitalized, including blankets, toys, collars, leashes, etc.
- Please clean your carriers, leash, and collar as carefully as possible before arrival with an appropriate alcohol-based disinfectant in the event our staff needs to handle them.
- Please use the sanitizing agents at the front desk upon arrival.
- Please respect the ‘social distancing’ recommendations and maintain a distance of 6 feet from others, and refrain from shaking hands.
THANK YOU for your understanding and please do not hesitate to call us with any questions (714) 537-8800. We’re here for you, your patients, and the communities in which we live. We will continue to keep you informed as news and information becomes available. Be well.
More detailed information regarding COVID-19 is available on our website at: ggpethospital.com
