COVID-19 UPDATE

To be direct and to the point, I have made a bulleted list of important points.

1. Veterinarians (and their staff) are considered ‘essential businesses’. We have an obligation to protect your pets and public health. But need cooperation from the public in order to continue services.

    

2. Paws & Claws has the unique feature of seeing patients with the mobile truck! It allows easy disinfection and arrives at your house. Perfect in the time of home isolation! With that being said, I have had to modify the appointment process.

    

•  If you are feeling ill, coughing, sneezing, fever, have been in contact with someone that has been sick, or even THINK you may be sick, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE be honest when scheduling the appointment. While I need to protect myself, I need to protect my clients as well.  It is important to me to see animals that need care especially for elderly owners that can’t drive. I promise to do the same for you. 
• Histories will be taken over the phone at the time of scheduling or at arrival to your home. The animal will then visit the truck where a physical exam will be performed. You will then be contacted with recommendations and the treatment plan. This is to avoid heavy foot traffic through the truck and maintain social distancing guidelines 
• After samples are collected, treatments performed, I will contact you to reiterate the plan and treatments and your pet can go back into your home. Payment will be collected via Venmo, credit card, or check with as little contact as possible.

   

3. The earlier you note a problem with a pet, the better! While it does not seem urgent at the time, treating or managing clinical signs earlier will prevent serious illness that may require hospitalization and over burden our veterinary emergency/24 hour care facility.
    
4. In addition to #3, the earlier you contact with concerns, the increase probability I can see your pet earlier. I am only one person with one mobile clinic. For example, if I am in Sun Prairie it is likely impossible for me to see your pet in Verona the same day especially in an emergency situation. You will likely be referred to seek 24 hr care. If it is a true emergency PLEASE do not waste time, seek veterinary care immediately!

     

5. Medications can be refilled. Pending the chronic condition, an exam may be recommended. However, please do not wait until you are out of medication or have one dose left. Many times I do not get these messages until after pharmacies have closed for the day. Advanced notice of at least 5 days is appreciated!

    

6. If your pet has a known “strong personality” or often struggles during vet appointments, please let me know! There are many things we can do to decrease anxiety prior to the appointment so it will be easier on all of us and maintain compliance with social distancing.
   
   If you have any questions, please let me know. I am available during business hours via phone, email and text. Although if I do not answer, I am likely with another client/patient, or driving.  I can’t say I have addressed EVERYthing of importance in this message. But I hope it has provided some guidance.