New BAC protocol during COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Veterinary care is an essential part of our community and we want to assure you that our hospital is open and will continue to provide services at this time. We also want to work with you and our staff to limit direct contact in order to focus on safety for everyone during this pandemic. Accordingly, we ask that you follow the below steps for the safety of all:
- Upon arrival at the hospital, please remain in your vehicle and call us at 813.832.3675
- After receipt of the call, we will check you in as soon as possible from outside the hospital.
- If you are at the hospital to pick up food or medication, please remain in your car outside the hospital and call the front desk. We will deliver your order to the table outside of the front door for you to pick-up.
- If you are not feeling well or may be at risk of exposure to coronavirus, please ask a healthy friend or family member to transport your pet to the hospital on your behalf.
- We will do our best to coordinate your visit from outside the hospital, including providing follow up instructions and taking payments.
At BAC, we help you and your pet without a trip or call to the hospital.
Email: You can send and receive emails with us. This is only available during operating hours, response times vary, but we will do our best to respond quickly. You can email us at bac@bayshoreanimalclinic.com.
Our goal is to keep our essential services available to the communities we serve and be there for you and your pets. Thank you for your cooperation and for doing your part in helping to keep pets and people safe, and please don’t hesitate to call with questions.
We anticipate our phone lines will be busier than usual, and therefore, we appreciate your patience!
See how we’re taking extra precaution, and learn about our curbside service.
There’s no doubt that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is creating challenges for all of us, both personally and professionally. First and foremost, we hope that you, your family and your pet(s) are remaining safe and healthy. We are writing to keep you informed of our recommendations as well as the steps we are taking in order to continue offering the care your pets need while providing you, and our associates a safe environment.
We always keep our hospital clean and disinfected, and we have increased both the frequency and scope of these cleanings in accordance with CDC recommendations to help ensure both our clients and associates are kept safe. Similarly, handwashing hygiene is critically important in a hospital, a step we continue to emphasize to staff and clients. As always, we provide options for hand cleaning for clients and associates, and we work closely with our teams to ensure that anyone who is not feeling well understands that we support them staying home.
What do I do if I have been exposed to the coronavirus while my pet needs care?
In order to help us continue to serve pets in need, we ask that clients who have recently traveled to a high-risk country, had any exposure to symptomatic or confirmed positive cases, or confirmed positive themselves not bring their pets in the hospital unless they are having a medical emergency.
If your appointment is necessary, we ask that you have a healthy family member or friend bring your pet to the visit.
What is the Coronavirus impact on pet health?
Can dogs or cats get COVID-19?
Based on what we know currently there is limited evidence to support risk of COVID-19 to your pet and no evidence that you are at risk from your pet.
What if my pet’s not feeling well or is showing signs of flu-like illness?
If your pet shows any signs of illness, such as coughing, sneezing or lethargy, call us immediately, and keep them indoors to prevent further spread. Signs of illness in dogs and cats are usually associated with various common viral and bacterial infections (kennel cough, canine flu, etc.) that are neither coronaviruses nor transmissible to people.
Should my pet wear a mask?
No. There’s no scientific evidence that face masks protect pets from infectious diseases or air pollutants, and masks have the potential to be unnecessarily scary or uncomfortable for pets.
Should I get my pet tested for COVID-19?
At this time, testing pets for COVID-19 virus is unwarranted, as there is currently no indication that apparently healthy and unexposed pets should be tested for the virus.
Where can I get more information on COVID-19?
You can get the latest information from reputable sources such as:
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association: Coronavirus & Companion Animals Advice
- World Organization for Animal Health (OIE): Questions and Answers on the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Please rest assured BAC is monitoring the situation closely and we will continue to consult and seek input from internal and external experts to provide the best guidance and advice for you, our valued clients. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns.
Your Bayshore Animal Clinic Family