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Original poster

When will vets allow clients in again?

69 replies

Keepyourdistance000 · 12/04/2021 18:59

I have nothing but respect for our wonderful vets and RVN's for keeping going throughout Covid. I know for a fact many are now exhausted, and tired of car park consultations.

I know we are still some way off from any likelihood of it happening but when are clients possibly going to be allowed back into surgeries?

Does each Practice make its own decision under the BVA/RCVS guidelines?

Would like to hear any thoughts.

OP posts:
randomsabreuse · 12/04/2021 19:01

I'd imagine it depends a bit on the practice layout - some have tiny consult rooms with limited ventilation while others have bigger rooms available.

BlueTiles · 12/04/2021 19:02

I was allowed in - wasn't I meant to be?

milinhas · 12/04/2021 19:03

I was allowed in - with a mask on and behind a plastic screen

Original poster
Keepyourdistance000 · 12/04/2021 19:03

I'd think it probably also depends on when all staff are vaccinated, especially the younger staff.

OP posts:
Parker231 · 12/04/2021 19:03

Our vet announced today that they are now starting that you can come in with your pet but you have to wait in your car rather than the rather small waiting room. Masks on at all times inside the building.

Original poster
Keepyourdistance000 · 12/04/2021 19:07

@BlueTiles

I was allowed in - wasn't I meant to be?
I'm sure if you weren't then you would have been told so Confused
OP posts:
ConnieCaterpillar70 · 12/04/2021 19:09

Ours is taking the pet off you in the car park.

Hence mine are both overdue their vaccinations, and my older dog has a lump that needs removing. They are both anxious dogs and I'm not putting them through it. I've also tried to register with another practice and none are taking on new clients due to Covid.

I'm not impressed.

TheWaif · 12/04/2021 19:17

We've been allowed in ours through this whole lockdown.

TheWaif · 12/04/2021 19:19

I'm sure if you weren't then you would have been told soConfused

Wow, that's a weidly rude response to a post on your own thread!

occa · 12/04/2021 19:19

Yeah ours is still taking the animals off you in the car park. I hate it. Mine are overdue as I want to go in with the dogs and actually talk to the vet with the dogs there.

It's a pain.

Veterinari · 12/04/2021 19:27

@Keepyourdistance000

Yes each practice will make it's own decision depending on staff vulnerability and possible biosecurity achievable within the guidance

www.bva.co.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-advice-for-veterinary-professionals/

Also thank you for framing your OP so understandingly.

Most vets and RVNs also dislike the current restrictions but we have to balance exposure risks against ongoing service provision and unfortunately most consulting spaces are poorly ventilated and do not allow for appropriate social distancing with 3 people in the room (would need vet, VN for restraint, as well as client).

Bazookapie · 12/04/2021 19:27

I’ve been allowed in throughout this lockdown, the one my sister uses still takes pets off you in the car park so it depends on the practice.

Veterinari · 12/04/2021 19:28

@ConnieCaterpillar70

Ours is taking the pet off you in the car park.

Hence mine are both overdue their vaccinations, and my older dog has a lump that needs removing. They are both anxious dogs and I'm not putting them through it. I've also tried to register with another practice and none are taking on new clients due to Covid.

I'm not impressed.

Then go elsewhere if you dislike your practice following professional guidance and taking sensible steps to safeguard public health.
DobbyTheHouseElk · 12/04/2021 19:30

My cat went for his annual boosters and I found it far less stressful having him collected from the car. No waiting room with barking dogs. He was in and out in 5 mins. He wasn’t bothered and he normally hates the vet.

I didn’t think it would work, but for me it was fine. I usually get upset and stress my cat. Think he prefers it without me cramping his style.

fairydustandpixies · 12/04/2021 19:30

My vets are doing door step hand overs. My poor old pooch is on the cusp of end of life and I'm torn between keeping him bumbling along or having him pts without me. He's my shadow and I don't want him going without me by his side.

Veterinari · 12/04/2021 19:32

@fairydustandpixies

My vets are doing door step hand overs. My poor old pooch is on the cusp of end of life and I'm torn between keeping him bumbling along or having him pts without me. He's my shadow and I don't want him going without me by his side.
I'm so sorry Thanks

Would the vets perform the euthanasia in the car boot? Or sedate him with you then take him in when he's asleep?

It is rubbish

Geranibum · 12/04/2021 19:36

Mine is allowing owners in and has been for a long time (before Xmas). In fact I had to wait for almost an an hour in the waiting room (owning to an emergency) the other day. (Must admit I did almost take the cat back to the car and wait there).

tsmainsqueeze · 12/04/2021 19:36

@ConnieCaterpillar70

Ours is taking the pet off you in the car park.

Hence mine are both overdue their vaccinations, and my older dog has a lump that needs removing. They are both anxious dogs and I'm not putting them through it. I've also tried to register with another practice and none are taking on new clients due to Covid.

I'm not impressed.

I can't speak for all vets but at the practice i work at we have found over the lockdown that the majority of the pets that we have taken from their owner in the car park are finding the whole experience a lot less stressful . The usually busy , sometimes noisy waiting room is quiet and the pet goes straight into the consult room . I hope this applies everywhere ,i think it probably does- everyone of my colleagues behaves with the same kindness and compassion to the pet , makes no difference with the owner not being there . Actually even pre covid we often find pets are calmer at the vets without the owner there . Regards their vaccinations , ask if the vet will do them by your car if you don't want them to leave you , pre covid we have always done this kind of thing . In our profession we get all sorts of requests and we are a pretty helpful accommodating bunch of people.
Geranibum · 12/04/2021 19:38

@fairydustandpixies

My vets are doing door step hand overs. My poor old pooch is on the cusp of end of life and I'm torn between keeping him bumbling along or having him pts without me. He's my shadow and I don't want him going without me by his side.
If you can afford the call out, there are plenty of private vets who will come out and do the deed in your home or garden. Much nicer for the animal, Covid or no Covid. Google "home euthanasia"
SaintReatham · 12/04/2021 19:40

Ours (a Vets4Pets practice) has allowed owners to accompany their pets throughout lockdowns: they've installed a plastic screen in the doorways of the consulting rooms, with chairs for clients on the other side and an intercom. You have to call first to be allowed in, and there's no queueing, handwash/sanitiser everywhere, masks, teams of staff working on rota, and reception screens.

I've been really impressed with the service they've provided - they've been amazing at balancing safety for the staff with the welfare of the animal clients.

BiteyShark · 12/04/2021 19:40

Emergency vets are not letting anyone in. My dog is scared of the vets having had lots of previous treatments and investigations and had to be somewhat dragged in Sad

Usual vets is letting owners in but we have to wait outside until it is our turn.

It clearly depends on the vet practice.

WitchesBritchesPumpkinPants · 12/04/2021 19:44

I live next door to a vets. They have been doing a mixture the entire time.

I'm practically qualified now having heard many many more consultations than your average newbie vet.

I shall miss them all woofing & meowing outside when they're fully back inside.

ElderMillennial · 12/04/2021 19:51

I've been going in during lockdown

It must depend on the vets

lljkk · 12/04/2021 19:54

I was allowed in when cat had to be PTS. :(

GettingItOutThere · 12/04/2021 19:56

@fairydustandpixies

My vets are doing door step hand overs. My poor old pooch is on the cusp of end of life and I'm torn between keeping him bumbling along or having him pts without me. He's my shadow and I don't want him going without me by his side.
they will do it in the car for you. NO reason why not at all. its kinder for them.

Sorry :(