COVID-19 UPDATE – Wetaskiwin Animal Clinic

To all of our valued clients and their pets,

We have entered an unprecedented time in our country’s history, as every Canadian, and citizens around the world, are on high alert due to COVID-19. As the situation around the COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to evolve, and the World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a pandemic (not pandemonium), we are reaching out to let you know that the Wetaskiwin Animal Clinic has been closely monitoring the situation, and to share details about how our healthcare team is responding and continuing to support your pets. The CVMA holds that veterinary practices provide “ essential ” services to Canadians given that veterinary medicine is critical for public health, agri-food safety, pharmaceutical stewardship, and animal health and welfare. We have shared our view with government authorities.

Veterinarians have been deemed as an “Essential Service” so we are staying open and our plans are to maintain continuity for our pet parents. Our hours of operation will remain the same as always.

It’s during times like this that our work to keep pets healthy becomes even more crucial.

Our emergency management team has been meeting to review the latest developments, put our plans into action and address the questions and concerns we receive from our clients.

We are continuously and closely assessing the latest developments, coordinating planning, ensuring the safety of our team members, and minimizing disruption to our clients.

There are no current impacts to our veterinary hospital operations and after hours emergency services.

To ensure continuity of service for our clients, we’re starting our “work from home” program for our staff and equipping team members with tools to work remotely.

The Health and Safety of our staff, clients and pets is our top priority as it has always been.

We want to assure you that, now as always, the health and safety of our clients and their pets as well as our team members, is the top priority for us. Veterinary professionals are concerned about their team’s health and clients have questions about their pets’ health, as well as their own.

We’re closely following the guidance and advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Centre for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and other global and provincial health agencies.

We are monitoring the situation very closely to ensure we’re taking every increased precaution necessary.

We want you to feel at ease during appointments at our clinic, so we’ve taken extra precautions and put more rigorous cleaning measures in place. .

We understand that with all of the changes and disruptions there is a need for increased flexibility right now, so if you have any questions, concerns, or wish to change an upcoming appointment, please email us at info@wacvet.ca or call us at 780-352-7006

There is currently no evidence to suggest this virus is circulating in animals in Canada.

It is possible that some types of animals can be infected with COVID-19, but there is no evidence that pets or other animals can spread the virus. There are still many unknowns about COVID-19 and this is an area that remains to be studied and understood.

Until we know more, if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have a pet or other animal:

avoid close contact with them
do not snuggle or kiss them, or let them lick you, sit on your lap, or sleep in your bed
practise good cough etiquette
avoid coughing and sneezing on your animals
have another member of your household care for your animals – if this is not possible, always wash your hands before touching or feeding them
limit your animal’s contact with other people and animals – this may mean keeping them indoors

Thank you

Thank you for your understanding, patience and continued support as we work through these challenges together.

On behalf of the entire healthcare team, we’re here for you and your pets.