Hawick Vets COVID-19 (Coronavirus) 18th May Update

Please note, as of 18^th May, there have been no new updates and we continue to follow the guidance below:

From 23^rd March, for an initial 3-week period, veterinary practices have been physically open for urgent and emergency cases only, following government advice and professional guidance from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and British Veterinary Association (BVA).

Following new guidance, from 14^th April, some additional services can be offered to our patients, while still following COVID-19 guidelines and strict social distancing. Any additional services we can offer will depend on a risk assessment which considers the safety of our clients and teams with the welfare of your pet, to ensure the most appropriate course of action is determined. Of course, we continue to be physically open for urgent and emergency cases.

As we continue to comply with social distancing rules, we are working in smaller teams to reduce the spread of COVID-19. It is likely that fewer appointments will be available and that we will need to prioritise cases on clinical assessment and need.

Examples of services which may be possible:

Vaccination – We strongly believe in vaccination and the benefits of preventative healthcare, but risks vary based on geography, lifestyle and previous history. We will use our professional judgement and discretion to assess each individual situation and advise you on the best course of action.

Neutering – we will assess your pet’s situation based on welfare, population control and individual household circumstances to decide if the need for neutering your pet is essential or if it can be safely delayed further. We are also mindful of the need to preserve essential PPE and anaesthetic which are required by the NHS.

If your pet requires one of the above treatments, please get in touch. For existing clients, if we have not already been in touch with you, please contact us.

We are currently reviewing how best to re-introduce some of these services while keeping you and our teams as safe as possible – so please bear with us, it may take us longer to answer calls or respond to email/web requests. If you have any other concerns about your pet’s health, please contact us to discuss how we can help you.

Flea and worm treatments – will continue to be provided based on your pet’s need. Please call us to order more.

Prescriptions and food – will still be supplied, however the process for ordering may have changed. Please call us if you require more.

We realise you may be feeling anxious about your pet’s wellbeing. However, we wanted to reassure you that we’ll do all we can to support you and your pet – should the need arise.

Guidance for visiting a practice:

We will continue to minimise face-to-face contact, to protect human health and curb the spread of COVID-19, and therefore if you are visiting us:

• When you arrive, please wait outside and call our reception team to notify them of your arrival.

We will advise you of how we can safely take your pet into the practice to be examined.

• To protect the health and wellbeing of our staff, please do not enter the practice unless instructed to do so.
• If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, had close contact with someone who has, or you’re experiencing symptoms (new persistent cough and/or fever), and your pet needs veterinary care, please call us. We will be able to advise you on how your pets can receive the care they need.
• If your pet is hospitalised at our facility, we are asking clients not to visit their pet at this time.
• If you need to change any appointments because you are in isolation, please call us and we will rearrange these for you.

We have made this decision as the health and wellbeing of our patients, clients and staff is our number-one priority.

Thank you for your understanding during this time. We remain committed to delivering the best care for your pet and for now, stay safe, we are here for you if you need us.