04/05/2020
Coronavirus: An information update from the College of Veterinarians of Ontario
Update: April 3, 2020
Veterinary services are essential but urgent care only
On April 3, 2020, the province made revisions to the list of essential workplaces. Veterinary medicine remains an essential service,permitted to deliver urgent care, as indicated in the list of essential workplaces provided by the Province of Ontario on April 3, 2020. All veterinarians are able to provide services making use of telemedicine.
The revised list references veterinary services as follows:
Veterinary services (urgent care only) and other businesses that provide for the health and welfare of animals, including farms, boarding kennel stables, animal shelters, zoos, aquariums and research facilities.
The list also provides permission for services including the sale of pet and animal supplies only through an alternative method of sale such as curb side pick-up or delivery, except in exceptional circumstances..
The provision of work and services through teleworking and online commerce, such as telemedicine, is permitted.
The College continues to expect veterinarians to follow the government directive and to use their judgement in delivering urgent care only, at this time of public health emergency. Urgent care includes providing veterinary medical care for illnesses or injuries which require prompt or emergency attention. This does not include elective procedures that will not impact the animal’s immediate health. Preventative medicine may be necessary in specific cases that may have long term animal and public health impacts, such as rabies and canine parvovirus. Ancillary services such as grooming are not essential services and, as previously, should be discontinued.
The College continues to monitor this changing environment and provide you with necessary information.
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, the staff at Quaker Hill Veterinary Hospital are committed to providing safe service for you and your pets.
While we are remaining open to supply you with telephone consultations and advice for your furry friends, unfortunately we are required to lock our door and only provide curbside (we will supply you with what you need when you come to the clinic door)service, please call in advance.
It is tick and flea season. These parasites are now present in the environment and we need to protect our pets from tick borne disease and flea infestations. We have the products you need in our hospital. You can call us and we will prepare your products for you to pick up at our door.
-if you require refills on medication for an ongoing condition, please contact the clinic 905-830-4077. We will discuss your needs with you, refill and prescribe required medication and accept payment by phone. You will then be able to pick up medication by notifying us by phone that you are waiting outside the clinic for us to hand you your prepaid purchases.
- urine and f***l samples can be collected by you at home and dropped off for testing at the clinic by first calling and arranging payment for the lab services.
- Reschedule if you are feeling ill, exhibiting any symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath), recently attended a large gathering, may have been exposed to COVID-19, or have recently traveled to an area with a high infection rate
- Practice social distancing while visiting; per CDC guidelines we ask that you maintain a minimum of 6 feet from others and avoid any contact
-if your pet has an emergency situation, please call us and we will arrange an appointment.
Please call us at (905) 830-4077 if your pet needs a refill, medication that does not require an exam, food or other non-urgent items.
If your pet needs medical attention and you're concerned please call us to discuss treatment options. Unfortunately we will only be able to provide emergency care for life threatening situations as per the CVO guidelines. Please postpone any routine or non essential visits until this pandemic lockdown is over.
As always, medications and food can be ordered through the hospital via telephone at (905) 830-4077.
Our reduced hours during this pandemic are as follows:
Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Please call us at (905) 830-4077 in advance to make an appointment in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
We hope that you and your pets remain healthy through this time, and please know that we are committed to their care.
Sincerely,
Dr. Barbara Kovacs and Staff
Quaker Hill Veterinary Hospital
16925 Yonge Street, Unit 3
Newmarket, Ontario
L3Y 5Y1
(905) 830-4077
