Taking your pet to the vet during lockdown
As we continue to adjust to the ‘new normal’ whilst the world battles the global Covid-19 pandemic, many UK pet owners are asking if they can still take their pets to the vet at the moment and the good news is YES YOU CAN.
Although routine appointments including vaccinations and check ups have been put on hold (in the same way that dental check ups and car MOTs have been postponed) it is still possible to take your pet to the vet for emergency care if needed.
Cat Photo by Devon Janse van Rensburg on Unsplash
Recent guidance from the UK government states that all veterinary practices are permitted to stay open in order to provide emergency care - and vets across the UK are keen to let their clients know that they are still available for animals in need. Some vets are also offering video consultations for customers who are self-isolating so it is worth checking to see if your practice offers this service.
Labrador Photo by Bruno Cervera on Unsplash
Speaking to Metro, Amanda Boag, who works for vet franchises My Family Pet and Vets Now said:
“We realise this is a hugely worrying time for everyone, and for the 12 million pet owners (44% of households) throughout the UK their family, friends, and pets are their number one priority.
“Pets should not suffer needlessly regardless of the measures in place to tackle the spread of coronavirus so, if you’re worried, please do not hesitate to call us.
“If our staff determine that your pet needs essential treatment, we will see you.”
Collie Photo by Ayla Verschueren on Unsplash
FirstVet is another vet franchise which has made some changes to their service during the lockdown. Although already providing an online service (FirstVet offers video consultations with local, qualified vets) they have now decided to provide their service free of charge until the end of the month, regardless of whether a pet is insured or not.
Speaking to Metro, David Prien, of FirstVet, explained that they had decided to offer their service for free because welfare comes first:
“Our number one concern is supporting the health of pets and their owners alike, which is why we and our insurance partners have decided to make our services available to all, regardless of insurance status, until the end of April 2020.
“We are aware that the situation we find ourselves in is, for many, unprecedented, and we are keen to do all we can to help take away some of the stress and uncertainty that we know pet owners are experiencing.
“We are also committed to playing our part in reducing unnecessary travel when social distancing measures are in place and hope that we can reduce some of the pressure experienced by the physical vet clinics that are being impacted by COVID-19 restrictions."
If your pet is sick or injured then the first thing you should do is call you regular vet for advice and see if they are able to consult with you over the phone or by video. They should be able to judge whether you need to bring your pet in for emergency treatment or if the treatment can wait. Some vets are treating animals without owners present in the consulting room so you may be able to drop your pet at the practice and wait outside if they need to be seen.
If you are experiencing difficulty in obtaining an appointment then it might be worth contacting a service like FirstVet to see what they suggest.
Sad dog googling their symptoms Photo by Kyle Hanson on Unsplash
We hope you are all coping OK in lockdown and we will find something uplifting to write about on the blog next time. If you’ve found our site because you’ve come to purchase some grooming equipment to give you dog a home haircut take a look at these 19 Dogs that should fire their hairdressers for some tips on things to avoid! Stay safe!
Main photo Photo by Josh Couch on Unsplash