Since Tuesday the 5th January 2021, we have had to suspend all non-essential services due to the latest national lockdown. These temporary service changes are in place to protect our staff and you, our clients, from infection from Covid-19. They will be in place until our Government and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) relax the current restrictions.
Appointments
Our Woodingdean and Rottingdean surgeries are still open, but with reduced opening hours. Please call to check and book appointments. Most of our surgeries are only seeing emergency cases, or pets whose vaccinations and neutering can’t wait. Six monthly health checks for on-going medication will not be required in the surgery, but we plan to carry out video/telephone consultations to ensure all is okay with your pet.
- If your pet is sick or injured, please call us and we will assess if your pet needs to be seen. When we speak to you it’s vital that you inform us if you have been exposed to someone with Covid-19, if you have Covid-19, if you or someone you live with is vulnerable, or you have travelled abroad recently.
- Depending on your pet’s needs you may be offered a video/telephone consultation with a vet.
- If you are asked to bring your pet to the surgery, when you arrive please text or call us (each surgery’s preferred contact method is posted on their entrance doors) from the car park to say you are here and indicate the mobile number you are using.
- When it is your turn the vet or nurse will call you to discuss your concerns, then come outside to collect your pet and take them to the consult room.
- Post assessment discussions will be done over the phone, or via a safe distance in the car park.
- Payments are to be made over the phone or by card only. No cash will be accepted.
- If you are asked to enter the practice you must wear a face covering or mask. Please maintain social distancing (two meters) and use the hand sanitiser provided.
- Clients collecting medication or food from our surgeries, must still wait outside and we’ll bring these out to you.
Medication
Requests for repeat prescriptions should be emailed to your local surgery with your name, pet’s name and drugs needed. Woodingdean clients should email [email protected], Telscombe clients should email [email protected], Shoreham clients should use [email protected], Portslade clients should email [email protected] for Lewes please use [email protected], and all other clients please email [email protected].
- If your pet is due for a recheck we will schedule a video/phone consultation with one of our vets.
- Please ensure you have placed an order for pet medications at least one week before your prescription is due to run out. It may take 2-3 days for us to process your order.
- We will only be issuing a maximum of one month of most medications, but up to three months of routine Pet Care Plan products.
- Home or postal delivery are an option if needed.
- Payment will be taken over the phone before collection/delivery/postage.
Vaccinations
We are continuing vaccinations as planned, except for adult dogs and cats that have been regularly vaccinated – these will be postponed until after the lockdown (if not overdue). Please call your local branch to schedule an appointment.
Neutering
We are still carrying out neutering, but in limited numbers to reduce the footfall in our practices. We have created a waiting list so please call us to have your pet added to this list. We will prioritise neuterings of pets that live in multiple dogs/cats/rabbits households, or those with behavioural issues impacting their welfare.
Pet food
To order pet food, please email your local surgery (emails are listed above in vaccinations section) or [email protected] if you are registered at our Brighton surgery with your name, pet’s name and food needed. We are offering home delivery if you are unable to get out, or don’t have someone who can pick it up for you. Payment will be taken over the phone before collection/delivery.
Dog Welfare
- Dog walks can be continued, but social distancing must be maintained.
- If walking is not an option, then ask a neighbour or friend to help.
- 20 mins mental stimulation is the same as one hour of exercise so please use training, tricks, food games to tire your dog at home if needed.
- If you are suffering with Covid-19, restrict others touching your dog as there’s a very small chance that the virus could be present on their surface and so be passed on, i.e, from their lead etc.
- If you are walking someone else’s dog because they are ill, if possible use your own lead when collecting their dog and don’t pet or cuddle it.