COVID-19 Announcement

Dear Clients,

We are all navigating new waters during this pandemic. Things have changed quickly over the last 2 weeks. It is becoming very difficult for businesses to operate, even those that are considered essential. We cannot get the supplies and medicine that we need due to disruptions in production associated with COVID. Also, with the “stay at home order”, we will likely not be able to make enough money to be able to keep things operating. As a result of this unprecedented event, we are closing our doors. Today, we are working on adjusting to the situation. 

Currently, the plan is as follows:  We will be starting our telemedicine program tomorrow. Please be patient with us as we learn this new system.  By using telemedicine, we will be able to be face-to-face with our clients to get information on their sick pets.  We will be able to have you show us your pet over the internet. We will be able to make some diagnoses and treatments using this telemedicine feature.  If you pet needs lab work, we will be having a once a week, curbside blood draw clinic. If your pet needs medicine, we will deliver it to your doorstep. There are limitations to telemedicine but it is certainly better than shutting things down all together. 

At this time, we are postponing all routine exams and vaccinations until after the “Stay Home” order is lifted. THE PURPOSE OF ALL OF THIS IS TO KEEP OUR CLIENTS AND STAFF SAFE AND HEALTHY. WE SHOULD ALL BE TAKING THIS VERY SERIOUSLY.  Potentially, this virus could wipe out 3-10% of the world’s entire population. Let’s all do our part in slowing this down. More people will survive if the hospitals are not overwhelmed. This was not an easy decision for me to make as this clinic is my only source of income.  

I contemplated back and forth about how I wanted to continue my business.  I chose telemedicine because it is a safe way for us to still help MOST pets.  The only clients that will be allowed in the building will be those that are euthanizing their pets.  We will continue to do euthanasias in the clinic, but owners will be provided with gloves and a mask before entering the building.  At this time, we will not be accepting any NEW clients. We have a list started already. Once the “Stay Home” order is lifted, we will call people on the list in the order calls were received. If your pet is due for something routine, like vaccines, please call, and we will get you on the list. 

The program we are using for telemedicine is called Anipanion.  Chelsea will be sending out instructions on how to access it. Watch your email for these instructions to come across.  This program will allow us to video chat about your pet’s condition and make the best diagnosis that we can without an “in person” exam.  Ohio has temporarily allowed us to use telemedicine during this pandemic.

Thanks for being understanding during this unprecedented time.  We appreciate your loyalty and patience. And lastly, please stay home. Be safe and stay healthy.

Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Cunningham, DVM, Practice Owner
The Chittenden Veterinary Clinic
614-294-3106
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