Safety first:

Suddenly, many of us are making lifestyle choices based on safety, including distancing measures that individual businesses are taking. The current data tells us the safest approach to minimizing infection is to wear masks, decrease the number of people in close proximity to one another, and to limit the amount of time we spend together in small shared spaces. To meet these ends, we are masked during our entire time at the clinic, sanitize phones, computers, and work spaces regularly, take staggered breaks and use separate spaces for lunches, and work in dedicated and separated work spaces. In addition, we are gloved throughout the day and disinfect our hands after every encounter with a pet. All deliveries made to LHV are left outside and brought in by our employees. Please see below for general Covid-19 animal recommendations.

Appointments:

Please call 612-822-1545 to make an appointment and we will direct you to our website to complete a “curbside appointment form.” This form is required for all appointments. It is essential this be filled out completely so we can anticipate your pet’s medical needs and address all your concerns.

All veterinary services are being provided “curbside,” meaning your pet will be brought into the clinic while you remain in the car. Cats must be in a carrier and dogs must be leashed to a securely fitted collar. When you arrive please park as close to the clinic as possible and text the word “HERE” to 612-712-1218.  Or, use this link to send us a “HERE” text. (Data/texting charges may apply depending on your mobile service.)

One of our team members will retrieve your pet on the sidewalk and bring it into an exam room. You must wear a mask while handing off your pet. The doctor will call and review the physical exam and treatment recommendations. Please remain nearby the clinic and wait for your pet’s exam to complete, unless the doctor says you can leave. Payment will be collected over the phone while we complete the medical treatments, and your pet will be returned to you with any medications or written instructions.

Thank you for your understanding and patience—we look forward to seeing you!

Update on surgery:

We are now providing all normal surgeries including those done by a traveling board certified surgeon (Direct Veterinary Surgery). Because we did no surgery from mid-March to mid-May, we have a backlog of surgeries; we will do our best to work your pet into our schedule based on the urgency of the situation. If we cannot meet your immediate needs we will refer you to another specialty center.

General COVID animal recommendations:

• If you yourself are sick with a respiratory illness, please do not bring your animal to the veterinarian. If possible, call us to set up a phone consult or have someone else bring the patient to the clinic. If this is not possible, please call us for advice.
• Pet owners should adopt good hygiene practices (including hand washing before and after being around or handling animals, their food, or supplies, as well as avoiding kissing them) and should maintain a clean and hygienic household environment.
• People who are sick should restrict contact with animals. If there are any changes in the health condition of the pets, please seek advice from a veterinarian as soon as possible.

It is important to know that there is currently no evidence that pet animals can be a source of COVID-19 for humans or that this virus can cause the disease in dogs. Pet owners should always maintain good hygiene practices, and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets.

If you are COVID-19 positive, these are the pet handling recommendations: Owners are advised to separate themselves from the rest of their family, including using a separate bathroom if there is one (this is for human protection), and have another member of the family care for the pet(s) within the household. Pets should not move out of the household unless absolutely necessary. If a single individual needs to care for their pet, or for someone with a service animal, that individual should minimize contact and practice good hygiene for themselves and for the pet (copious washing of hands before and after interactions, including handling of bedding, bowls, etc). If a COVID-19 positive individual is no longer able to care for their pet, they should contact their local public health department for direction and assistance.

For general questions, please call 612-822-1545 or email: lhvfront@gmail.com

Thank you, and wishing wellness to you all!

—Staff at Lake Harriet Veterinary