Forum

Re-Opening Clinics to Clients Post COVID-19 Restrictions

Posted by [email protected] on Aug. 2, 2021  /    Subscribe 0

Hello DCVMA board!

Reaching out because I would love to know if we can get a group discussion going to address clinic re-openings. It seems that clients are getting a lot more cagey in the past month and taking it out on us. We are still doing curbside because we have a few at risk staff who can not get the vaccine yet. Just wondering if there is a way to get ideas on what everyone else is doing? If they haven’t reopened, do they have a plan? If they have reopened, how is it going? If clients are coming in, has the push back turned from “why won’t you let me in!?” to “why do I have to wear a mask!?”. 

Could use some help, as I am sure it is not just us who are feeling emotionally drained.

Thanks guys,

Sarah K.

Hello Sarah,

Thanks for reaching out to us with your thoughts and concerns.

I'm happy to help you with this in any way I can. Would you like me to forward your email to the membership and ask for other people's comments?

I would be happy to offer to set up a zoom meeting for anyone who is interested in a face to face discussion. 

Are you able to attend the WVMA event at the Botham winery? The DCVMA offered to pay for 5 people's registration and so far only one person has responded. I think the registration closed on the 14th, but I suspect you can still get in if interested. That may be a good opportunity to chat with others in person. 

I'm sorry to hear how frustrating this transition time is for you. I suspect you are correct in thinking other people are experiencing the same problems. One comment I have is letting your clients know why you aren't letting them in. Perhaps if they know it is to protect the health of your staff, at least some of them would be more understanding!

Let's see how our board members respond.

Take care, Dawn

I think this is a great idea to have a discussion on this topic.  

VCA VESVSC is opening our doors fully to masked people on August 2nd per CDC and DCPH guidelines. VCA left this to each individual hospital to decide their policy, but all VCA employees must wear a disposable mask at all times. 

thanks,

Kai 

This time of transition is very unique, exciting, and frustrating all at the same time! Hosting an open forum discussion would likely be very helpful to share our individual experiences, concerns, and aspirations moving forward. The clinic I practice, Sauk Point Veterinary Clinic, is in Dane County and we began to allow 2 clients/pet in the clinic with appropriate masks, temp taken, and a barrage of COVID 19 questions when the masks mandate was lifted. Most clients have been receptive to this and complied nicely. Staff also wears masks all the time. Owner’s have the option of curbside if they prefer. 

Please consider coming to the wine event. Let us know if you want to attend and we will let Jo-ell know.  If other vets in your clinic want to attend, encourage them as well.

Sincerely,

Dr. Laura Oxley-Patterson, DVM
DCVMA President

Here at MVS, we have been open to the public for the last 3 weeks or so, also allowing only 2 people in per pet, and they must remain masked at all times.   We still allow curbside appointments for anyone that prefers that.  I think it really comes down to what you and your staff are comfortable with, and hopefully owners will be understanding of whatever direction you choose.  I am a little more uneasy with all of this given the rise in the delta variant, but decisions like this are completely out of my control.  That said, I feel people have followed the policy, and if I have ever walked into a room and the owners’ masks are down, I immediately ask them to put it over their face properly.  If someone would ever object to doing that, they will immediately be asked to leave and I will not see their pet.

There are so many legitimate concerns about all of this, and I feel that there are simply no black and white answers.  I hope to be at the WVMA get-together this coming Thursday, and if you come, Sarah, I would be happy to talk with you about our experiences at MVS so far.

Jen