Coronavirus
We wanted to let you know that Veterinary care has been classified as an essential service and we therefore remain open and able to care for your animals. Our priority in these tough times are their health and well-being, your safety, and the safety of our staff.
We appreciate your understanding and patience with the following safety measures that we need to implement, and that you work with us, so that we can all stay safe and continue to be able to help your pets.
ALWAYS call ahead on 55023686 and make an appointment. This will enable us to spread out appointment times and adhere to social distancing recommendations.
Walk-in appointments will not be accepted.
We are allowed a maximum of four (4) people (including the Vet or nurse) in a consult room at any one time so please consider this if a number of family members are coming to the appointment.
Please be punctual. Due to the timing required for social distancing, people arriving late for their appointments will likely need to be rescheduled.
Please ring and pre-order any food or repeat medications including preventatives such as tick prevention. Payment can then be made over the phone. When you arrive to collect your purchase please phone the clinic and we will advise when you can come in and collect it or if we will bring it out to you.
Please be mindful of social distancing when in the clinic with our staff members and any other clients.
Always have your dog on a lead with a secure collar or harness and your cat in a carrier. Please don't approach other clients or their pets.
DO NOT ATTEND the clinic if you are unwell or experiencing any sign of fever, sore throat, fatigue, coughing or shortness of breath. Please organise a family member or a friend that doesn’t live with you to bring your pet into us instead.
DO NOT ATTEND the clinic if you have returned from overseas or a declared Australian hot-spot in the last two weeks or you have had close contact with someone who has or close contact with a positive case.
PLEASE ADVISE us prior to arrival at the clinic if someone else is bringing your pet because of one of the above points, so that we can decide the most appropriate action.
We understand that the changes will take some getting used to and sincerely appreciate your understanding about your need to adhere to them.
We hope everyone stays safe and please continue to check our Facebook posts and your emails for any new information we need to share.
13 March 2020
With everything going on with the Coronavirus we thought it would be prudent to share some brief facts from the Australian Veterinary Association regarding Coronavirus and pets.
The information below was provided to us by the Australian Veterinary Association and is derived from the OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) web site. Please refer to the full OIE Q&A page for further information -
Key Points:
In December 2019, human cases of pneumonia of unknown origin were reported in China and a new coronavirus was identified as the causative agent. Since then, human cases have been reported by a number of other countries, including Australia. For up to date information on the human situation, please consult the WHO website -
The novel coronavirus has been given the scientific name SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 refers to the disease caused by the virus.
Current evidence suggests that the COVID-19 virus has an animal source. Genetic sequence data reveals that the COVID-19 virus is a close relative of other CoV found circulating in Rhinolophus bat (Horseshoe Bat) populations. There is the possibility that transmission to humans involved an intermediate host. Further work is underway to identify the source and to explain the route of transmission to humans.
The current spread of COVID-19 is a result of human to human transmission.
****To date, there is no evidence that companion animals can spread the disease.****
On the 1st of March, The National Veterinary Services of Hong Kong reported to OIE evidence that a dog had tested positive to the COVID-19 virus following close exposure to its owners who were sick with COVID-19. The test, conducted by real time PCR, showed the presence of genetic material from the COVID-19 virus. The dog was not showing any clinical signs of the disease. (The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong have stated that the dog has been quarantined and is being cared for, and will continue to be monitored and tested to determine its status.)
****There is no evidence that dogs play a role in the spread of this human disease or that they become sick. The OIE will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.****
Please continue to use good hygiene (especially hand and respiratory hygiene), including after contact with your pets