Updated 3-18-20
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT PROTOCOL DUE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19):
Due to concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we are taking additional precautionary measures within the hospital to keep our staff, doctors, animals, clients, and visitors safe, while continuing to provide essential patient care.
Effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020, only hospital personnel will be allowed inside all areas of the hospital but we will continue to provide service. Additionally, veterinary professionals have been asked by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to conserve essential medical supplies. In order to do this, we will be handling the scheduling of all elective anesthetic procedures on a case by case basis.
In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, we are asking all clients who have recently been coughing, or experiencing flu-like symptoms to reschedule their appointments. If this is not possible, please inform our staff so we may take precautions to protect our staff and families.
When clients with scheduled appointments arrive at the hospital, we ask that you call us from the parking lot. You will then be transferred to one of our technicians to go over any history, concerns, symptoms, or questions you have regarding your dog/cat (just as if you were in the clinic). We will then come out to your car and bring your dog/cat into the building to have their exam, vaccinations treatments/diagnostics done. Cats MUST be in carrier. We will call you following your pet’s examination to go over findings and recommendations. Payment can be made over the phone with our reception team. We are doing our absolute best to continue providing service but in order to do this we need to keep our team healthy and it is of the upmost importance to limit close contact with others.
What clients should do when they arrive at the hospital with patients:
- Call us from the parking lot when you arrive.
- Please remain in your vehicle with your animal.
- Care professionals associated with your appointment will discuss your needs by phone when you arrive. At the end of the phone conversation, a technician will come to the parking lot to bring your animal into the building for evaluation. We ask that pet owners remain in their vehicle.
- After the attending veterinarian examines your pet, you will receive a phone call to discuss recommendations and a plan moving forward. Verbal consent for treatment and details surrounding financial estimates will be authorized via this phone call. MAKE SURE YOU BRING YOUR PHONE AND A CHARGER!
- After the appointment is complete and any additional findings are discussed/questions are answered you will be transferred to our reception team to obtain payment via: Credit card or Care Credit are preferred, but cash or check will also be accepted. Please keep in mind payment is due at time of service.
We will still be here for your pet’s medication refills and other needed supplies. For medication refills we ask that you call at least 24 hours in advance. When you arrive to pick up your pets’ medication, please stay in your vehicle and call us from the parking lot. Our reception team will take payment over the phone and your supplies will be brought out to your vehicle.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has a comprehensive website with general information and more about COVID-19 and animals: https://www.avma.org/Coronavirus
We appreciate your understanding, patience and cooperation as we make critical changes in our hospital while still keeping everyone’s best interest and health in mind.
The veterinary team at Bass Lake Pet Hospital