Anyone`s vets practice shut down

[justasking111]

Such a shock on FB this morning our vet practice shut with no notice. We have an elderly dog on meds. There is an emergency number to phone but they do not say if that is for repeat prescriptions or life death situations.

I know humans are more important, but I have two elderly neighbours, their pets are their life.

So is this happening on your patch?

Should add this is a big practice with two locations and lots of staff, they say too many off sick.

Just had to take the dog to the vets. It was akin to a high security prison.

That sounds dreadful. My local vet is open thank goodness. If you're ordering medication you have to pay over the phone with a credit card, phone the vet when you arrive at the car park and they bring the medication outside and leave it in a designated place in the car park for you to pick up.

Ours is just doing emergency care. Our dog is terminally ill and likely to die during the lockdown period. It looks like we won't be able to be there when they put him to sleep as they are taking animals from their owners in the car park, and we're not allowed onto the premises.

New guidelines came out today, 2 of our branch practices had to shut immediately. Only minimal essential staff allowed. Remote prescribing is being allowed for now if there are genuine medical needs. Your practice should still have a number to call (may be a vet at home or another practice) in case of emergency and repeat prescriptions. Meanwhile please keep your dogs on lead to minimize likelihood of injury or accidents.

Im outside the vets now my dog is being treated... its an emergency

It was akin to a high security prison.

I known the measures seem extreme but it has been made clear to us that human life must come first, we are all struggling to implement emergency protovols as fast as we can. Believe me, those of us who dedicate our lives to helping animals stay healthy are struggling to comprehend that we are unable to do this at this time. There have been many tears

Ours is urgent care, prescribed medicines and primary (not booster) jabs only.

DPuppy is being allowed in by appointment just to be weighed (as she’s close to moving up a size category for flea/worm stuff) then leaves immediately. When meds ready; they ring, I pay over the phone and then collect with doorstep handover

Ours is fine, operating an emergency system but animals being catered for as needed. All routine things cancelled. Drugs available.

Will neutering be done do you think? I know it's not usually an emergency but my cat (who was a stray) had kittens and I would have to get at least the girls done so they don't all mate together.

I don't think they are doing neutering. Someone on here had her appointment cancelled for her dog's castration yesterday after the lockdown was announced.

Some of the corporate groups have issued new guidance today following an update from the RCVS. All practices should now be providing essential and emergency care only and only staff essential to this process should be at work, so I well imagine some smaller practices may have to close.

The message is still very much to call the practice for advice; teleconsultations and remote prescribing will be appropriate in many cases, and there are thorough social distancing protocols in place if you do need to attend the practice for an emergency.