COVID-19 Office Update

We are open as usual. Please read below for details.

Dear Clients,

We want to keep you updated on our latest efforts to keep our community safe in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. As you may be aware, recommendations from the CDC are being reexamined daily. We have now adopted additional measures to help us navigate this ever-changing climate. Please help us with the following new protocols:

If your pet has a non-emergency need such as a well-pet exam or vaccine boosters, we ask that you consider delaying updating those services through the end of March.

Pets requiring a rabies vaccination to be in compliance with our local laws can be scheduled as necessary.

Please do not come to Dogwood if you are not feeling well or exhibiting any upper respiratory symptoms. We will be happy to reschedule your appointments.

We will be adopting a car drop-off service model to limit person-to-person contact as follows:

• Please remain in your car and call us at 919-942-6330 upon your arrival.
• Medication/Product Pick-Up: your items will be brought to your car by a team member and payment may be made by phone or car-side during our normal business hours of Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. We will not be offering weekend pick-up for food and medications until further notice.
• Appointments: a team member will obtain your pet’s visit history via phone or at the car-side upon arrival. That team member will then collect your pet from your vehicle and bring them in for an exam and/or treatment. The doctor will consult with you via phone as necessary. Once your pet’s visit is complete, the team member will bring them back to you along with instructions/medications.
• Surgery and Dentistry Drop-Off: a team member will speak with you on the phone upon arrival to check you in then retrieve your pet from your vehicle to stay for their scheduled procedure. A discharge time will be established via phone once the procedure is complete.
• Securing your pet: to prevent escape of pets when we obtain them from your car, please make sure all dog collars and/or harnesses are properly and snugly fitted. All cats (and small dogs if possible) should be in a secure pet carrier.

If you are sick with COVID-19, and you believe your pet is ill, please seek assistance from the state public health veterinarian and public health officials to determine how to best ensure your pet or service animal can be appropriately cared for while minimizing the risk of transmitting COVID-19 to other people. This instruction comes from the American Veterinary Medical Association. North Carolina’s public health veterinarian is Carl Williams, DVM, MA, DACVPM. His contact information is: 919‐546‐1660 carl.williams@dhhs.nc.gov

Thank you for continuing to help us keep our community, clients, and staff safe. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and do all we can to protect our community, our clients, and our staff.

Sincerely,

The doctors and staff of Dogwood Veterinary Hospital & Pet Resort