The pandemic isn’t over just because you want it to be over, vulnerable people are still vulnerable, and vets like opticians, dentists etc are people they sometimes need to see, so I think it’s great that so many practices are still operating with a degree of sense in terms of public health measures. Cases are now rising rapidly again, and recent studies have linked this rise to the government’s abandonment of measures to cut down infection rates i.e., masks, distancing etc My parents are vulnerable but have a dog with arthritis who has regular injections. Their vet comes outside in a mask takes their dog inside and then comes outside to discuss any issues or talks over the phone while checking the dog. They are very reassured by this.
In addition, as others have mentioned, there’s a national shortage of vets and veterinary nurses, made worse by Brexit and many European vets and nurses leaving. And stretched even further because of the recent massive increase of people with domestic pets, particularly dogs. So strict infection control measures also ensure that practices are not forced to stop offering services because of high sickness levels. In my vet practice there’s also a vet, and at least one nurse, in the early stages of pregnancy. They are vulnerable and at risk of complications if infected, so these measures make it safer for them to continue working. I’m hugely appreciative that vets like other medical professionals are continuing to be sensible rather than base their policies on wishful thinking or the need to get people through the door. And as other posters have said who’s more likely to be aware of how to operate in a health-centred environment doctors, dentists, vets etc Or, a hairdresser!
I appreciate my vet and my parents’ vets’ continuing care and professionalism. They’ve been amazing during this whole pandemic, including dealing with a major health issue for my parents’ dog, who had to be hospitalised during one of the worst periods of the pandemic, and making sure that my parents could visit and spend time with him safely.
As for your mother OP, someone who’s been left with major health issues after Covid should be trying to limit the spread of Covid to other people and to work out a way to communicate with their vet that doesn’t mean exposing them, their colleagues or other clients to infection. Not to mention the animals who are in danger of contracting the virus too. In addition, your mother is at risk of reinfection, there are documented cases of people catching current strains repeatedly, so she should be limiting her exposure, with her lung issues she’s at extremely high risk of future major problems.
And what you could have done in the consult was put your phone on speaker phone so your mother could hear and then she could have answered the questions. But it seems you’d rather risk her health and others than use a bit of common sense!