The world is in strange, uncharted territories in regards to the new Coronavirus, or COVID-19. Daily life has been severely impacted, and the vast amount of circulating information is enough to make anyone’s head spin. So what are the facts? And in regards to veterinary medicine, how does this virus impact your pets?

 Coronavirus is a viral respiratory disease that originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Symptoms of the virus are very similar to the flu, and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. People over the age of 60 and those with compromised immune systems are the most vulnerable. Unfortunately, the virus is highly contagious, even amongst asymptomatic people. This has led to a relentless spread of the virus around the world. There is no treatment yet. The best way to keep yourself healthy is to wash your hands frequently (for at least 20 seconds), avoid handshakes, avoid touching your face, and stay at least 6 feet away from other people. Face masks are not recommended for healthy people at this time.

The good news is that all scientific evidence indicates that your pets will NOT become ill from the coronavirus, nor will they spread the virus to other animals or people. If you are not sick, you may interact normally with your pet. If you are diagnosed with the coronavirus, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends limiting contact with your pet, simply out of an abundance of caution. Have someone else in your household take care of your pet until we have more information. This includes walking, feeding, and playing. If you are diagnosed with the coronavirus and have a service animal to take care of, wear a face mask and do not share food, kiss, or hug your pet. Good hygiene, including washing your hands before and after interacting with your pet, is always a smart idea, healthy or not. In case of a lockdown situation, don’t forget your pets! In addition to obtaining supplies for yourself, please make sure you have at least 2 weeks’ worth of food and medications for your pets on hand.

At Franktown Animal Clinic, the health and well-being of your pet and family are our top priority.  As the situation around Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve we want to assure you that we plan to remain open to provide vaccines and to treat ill pets.

We are taking additional steps to keep patients, clients, and employees healthy and safe, including:

  • In addition to rigid cleaning and disinfecting protocols already in place, we have increased the frequency of our cleaning practices.
  • Employees who are ill are instructed to stay home and contact their doctor.
  • We thank you in advance for following the CDC’s guidance to protect you and our staff during the COVID-19 outbreak. We are limiting access to our facility and will assist you by providing curbside pickup of your pet.
  • There will be two exemptions to the protocol of limiting access to the building: 1) euthanasias, and 2) owners of working dogs, including the DCSO K-9 Unit.

PROTOCOL for APPOINTMENTS:

  • There is a questionnaire on our website to provide information in advance for Patient Appointments. Look under “Click here for a message from our team.”
  • Upon arrival at FAC, we ask that you remain in your vehicle and call us at 303-688-4690 to let our staff know you are here.
  • Our staff will facilitate getting your pet into our hospital.
  • The doctor will perform an exam and will communicate with you by phone to discuss clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and follow up. They will also inform you of the charges for our services. 
  • The doctor will transfer you to a CSR to collect payment.
  • Once payment is finalized your pet, prescribed medications, the invoice and your receipt will be brought to your vehicle.

PROTOCOL for SURGERIES:

  • There is a questionnaire on our website to provide information in advance for Surgery Drop-Offs. Look under “Click here for a message from our team.”
  • Upon arrival at FAC to drop off your pet, we ask that you remain in your vehicle and call us at 303-688-4690 to let our staff know you are here.
  • Our staff will facilitate getting your pet into our hospital.
  • The doctor will perform the surgery and will communicate with you by phone.
  • The surgery tech will contact you prior to your designated pick up time to discuss home care instructions and medications. They will also inform you of the charges for our services. 
  • The tech will transfer you to a CSR to collect payment.
  • Upon arrival at FAC to pick up your pet, we ask that you remain in your vehicle and call us at 303-688-4690 to let our staff know you are here.
  • Once payment is finalized your pet, prescribed medications, the invoice, and your receipt will be brought to your vehicle.

PROTOCOL for MEDICATION & FOOD REFILLS:

  • Please call in advance to request medication and pet food refills. Due to increased need please allow 24 hours for the medications to be filled.  We will call you when the prescription is ready for pick up.
  • Upon arrival at FAC, clients will be asked to call us from their car (303)688-4690.
  • A CSR will inform the client of the charge and take payment over the phone.
  • The medications and/or pet food will be taken outside and given to the client with their invoice and receipt.
  • We can fill a maximum of 3 months’ worth of prescriptions and food, pending our supply.

The hospital will be following the recommendations of the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html or coronavirus.gov  and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/ regarding sanitation and personal safety.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work together to prepare for possible COVID-19 infections that may impact our staff, clients and the communities we serve.

Since new information on the coronavirus and our government’s response is changing so rapidly, these policies may change. We will keep you updated. The health and well-being of our staff, patients, and clients is our utmost priority in these uncertain times.