Covid-19 Protocols

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• We have implemented some new protocols during the Covid-19 pandemic to protect us, you, and your pets. 
• The new protocols are as follows:
• All appointments for dogs will be performed outdoors, when possible.  Exceptions will be made for inclement weather and circumstances that will be determined BEFORE the appointment time. With winter upon us, outdoor appointments are performed only when temperatures permit. Appointments performed inside the home will be performed as close to an entry point, as possible. This is so that we do not make unnecessary contact with areas of your home and/or with people within the home. 
• All humans present for appointments are required to wear masks that cover both, the mouth AND nose.  
• You must wear a mask for the entire duration of the appointment.
• We will limit the number of humans present for appointments to ONE. We understand many family members may be home during this time, but during the small window of time we are in the home,  only one person is permitted to be present. This requirement is modified for euthanasia appointments and for clients that require home health care workers. 
• If there are immunocompromised people in the home, we kindly request they not be present (when possible).
• All pets must be ready to be examined and handed off safely. This means dogs need be on secure leashes, and cats either be in carriers or secured in a small room we can easily access. 
• Humans must respect a 6 ft physical distance from us. 
• It is required, that if you or anyone in your home is sick, being quarantined, or has tested positive, that is disclosed before appointment is made. 
• It is required that you inform us if you've been exposed within 10 days prior to our appointment. Most of our appointments are scheduled less than a week in advance, so if you discover you've been exposed in that time frame after our appointment has already been performed, please contact us. 
• It is required that if you've traveled outside of Western CT within two weeks of the appointment, you disclose that information. This includes car travel, public transportation, buses, airplanes, and cruises. 
• If you test positive AFTER our appointment, please contact us. 
• Above all, we require complete honesty to ensure we do our part in stopping the spread of this virus.

Cat Specific Protocols:

• Cats must be sequestered in a carrier or in a small room, such as a bathroom. A small room with minimal furniture is ideal. 
• Please have a large, thick, clean bath towel available to us OUTSIDE of the room in which the cat is sequestered. Many cats respond well to being wrapped in a towel. 
• Cats DO NOT behave the same way when people are in the home, so DO NOT wait until we get there to have them in a room. 
• If there are windows in the room, please CLOSE THE WINDOWS. 
• If cats are NOT ready to be examined when we arrive, we will not proceed with the appointment and you will be responsible for a housecall fee. 
• If you have trouble sequestering your cat, let us know while making the appointment, and please let us know via text at least one hour before our appointment time if you were not successful.
• TIPS: Starting several days before the appointment, start putting a high value treat or wet food in the bathroom or room you wish to use for the exam. Let the cat enter the room, eat, and DO NOT lock the cat in the room. After a few times, your cat will enter the room to eat. The day of the appointment, put the food in the room and when the cat enters, close the door. 

Our promises to you:

• We will always wear masks, gloves, and shoe covers during appointments.
• We disinfect all instruments, paperwork, supplies, and ourselves between appointments. 
• We will cancel your appointment if we feel sick. 
• We will practice social distancing with you during the appointment, but will still provide loving veterinary care to your pet. 
• We will take every precaution to ensure the virus does not spread.