Dear Clients and Friends,
We are hopeful that your pets and family are doing well during the current crisis. We are so grateful that you have allowed us the opportunity to provide medical and surgical care to the animals that you love so much. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families that are already affected by this disease and to all of those bravely serving in the medical community.
Please know that we are committed to providing the same level of care and service that you have received for the past thirty-three years. We believe it is important to answer this fear and uncertainty with unity and resolve and although the future is unclear, we are certain that we will defeat this pandemic.
We have taken the proper steps to keep our employees and clients safe, while maintaining the quality of care. We are subject to, and following the recommendations of federal, state and local authorities, which may limit the services that we are able to provide. You will find our current method of operations below and we will continue to keep you informed.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Important Updates
We will be keeping our clients up-to-date via our website, email newsletters, Facebook, and other social media channels. Please monitor closely for our updated status.
As of now, we continue to maintain regular business hours and appointments. Clients are allowed in the building, but we are limiting to 2 people in the exam rooms. Masks are required at all times when inside our facility.
Appointments
- If you are experiencing any signs of illness; have any flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, or shortness of breath; or have had any of these signs within the past five days, please reschedule any upcoming routine appointments.
- If you are ill, or have tested positive within the past five days, and your pet needs urgent care or medical attention, please ask a friend, neighbor or family member to bring your pet into our facility. If you call ahead, we will gladly accommodate your pet’s guardian and make the appropriate arrangements.
- After checking in, we will now be allowing clients to enter the building with their pets, but are limiting clients to two people per room. Clients are still required to wear a mask while inside our facility. We will continue to offer “curbside service”, if preferred, or if you have more than two people, or prefer not to wear a mask.
- When new appointments are scheduled, please provide your vehicle information (color, make, and model). A history questionnaire will be sent to you the day before your appointment. If you prefer, you can fill out a paper questionnaire when you arrive.
- Please call the check in phone (956) 458-5839 when you arrive. Give your parking space number and we will check you in. At this time if you haven’t filled out a history form, one will be brought to you.
- An animal care assistant (ACA) will retrieve your history form, discuss your goals for the visit, and bring you and your pet into the building, or your pet if we are assisting you curbside.
It is absolutely necessary for your pet to be in a carrier or on a leash with a properly fitting collar. All cats must be in a carrier (please let us know if you need one). Your pet may be uncertain about what is happening, and we all need to work together to make sure that no pet escapes from a vehicle or slips out of a poorly fitting collar. We may add an additional slip leash for your dog for added protection.
- For curbside visits. The doctor will perform an examination and any pre-authorized procedures or treatments. If additional conversation is necessary, we will call you. We will return to your car with your pet along with your medications, preventatives, products, and discharge instructions.
- We can obtain payment from you via phone or we can take your card inside to complete the transaction. As always, we also accept Care Credit, cash or checks.
If your pet is fearful, aggressive, or does not do well without you present, please discuss this with us at the time of scheduling so that we can discuss options.
Medications, Pet Food, and Other Products
You can now enter the building to retrieve your pet’s medications, food, or other products, or call the check in number, (956) 458-5839 at arrival, if you prefer curbside pickup.
- Please call ahead at least 24 hours in advance for all refills of medications, pet food, or products. Prepayment is required to help expedite the process. This will allow us adequate time to have everything ready for you.
We also offer a convenient online store on our website. Visit www.vetclinicmission.com and click on Online Pharmacy. Items will be billed and shipped to your home.
Safety Precautions: Cleaning and Disinfection
Veterinary practices routinely disinfect with products that are viricidal – this means that they destroy viruses. We use Rescue, an accelerated hydrogen peroxide disinfectant. Rescue is effective against coronavirus COVID-19 as per the Center for Biocide Chemistries, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the CDC.
We are taking additional precautions with regards to cleaning and disinfection including regular cleaning of all door handles, light switches, pens, computer keyboards, and telephones.
Other Preparations
The CDC suggests that families have a two-week supply of food, prescriptions, and pet supplies available if you become sick and are quarantined within your home. Please contact us if you need to order your pets’ medications, food, or other supplies. We also encourage you to visit our online store on our website at www.vetclinicmission.com.
We are continuously reviewing potential supply chain issues and purchasing surplus orders of critical medications and medical supplies as deemed appropriate.
Interacting With Pets
At this time, experts have not expressed concern about transmission to or from animals. Multiple international health organizations have indicated that pets and other domestic animals are not at risk for spreading COVID-19.
However, if you are infected with COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control is recommending that you limit contact with pets just as you would limit contact with other humans. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid close contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food.
Additional Resources
CDC: Coronavirus COVID-19
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
AVMA: What Do You Need To Know About Coronavirus?
World Health Organization (WHO): Coronavirus Disease Advice for the Public: Myth Busters https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters?inf_contact_key=0b28854d1c48d3a6bbd69d4929ae18ec
CDC: Hand-Washing Guide
We ask for your understanding and patience as we balance caring for your pets and keeping our community safe. Please continue to visit our website and social media channels for additional information as this situation rapidly unfolds. If you have any questions, please reach out to us via phone (956) 585-1656 or email mvhreception2012@gmail.com. Wishing you all good health!
Sincerely,
The Doctors and Staff at Mission Veterinary Hospital