As you are all aware from the 23rd of March 2020, the whole of the UK is under lockdown restrictions during the COVID-19 Pandemic. At this time as Vets, we are treating emergencies only and trying to make sure we uphold our sworn oath to help animals in distress and pain.
The RCVS oath states:
“I PROMISE AND SOLEMNLY DECLARE that I will pursue the work of my profession with integrity and accept my responsibilities to the public, my clients, the profession and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and that, ABOVE ALL, my constant endeavour will be to ensure the health and welfare of animals committed to my care.”
The whole of the Veterinary profession have been busy in the last few days and weeks preparing for this and we have come to a consensus. This means we will be ready in an emergency to help, but those none essential visits are the first thing to stop. We do not want you leave your home to go out when it may be in your interests to remain in safety with no exposure to anyone else.
Now is your time to help. Your actions will save lives, if you follow the advice and instructions of the government. They have the scientific knowledge to help reduce the spread of this terrible pandemic, they know what resources we have and how to use them effectively.
By no means do we take lightly the decision to cancel all routine appointments, we understand that you may be concerned for your pets health. We have plans for all routine procedures including vaccinations, if you are concerned please call us for reassurance. And as a small business this is a worrying time, we need to make sure that we protect not only your health and that of your pets but our team as well. We have implemented new procedures to follow to try to reduce infection and spread of COVID-19. Also like everyone else have to have the income to pay our bills, and our routine consultations do contribute to that. We are in this together and we would like to help you, help your pets. So this is our current suggestion.
ICE – What’s that mean?
In Case of Emergency
If you have a mobile phone, many of you may have this listed in your contacts.
Its essential information that may help you if you are incapacitated, and we are suggesting that you think about doing a similar thing for your pets.
It’s a simple list of facts which may help your pets if you become ill. Remember to do this for every pet, not just your Cat and Dog but Rabbits, Guinea pigs, Hamsters, Fish, Horses etc.
So what do we think, you should write down on a bit of paper that can be easily found by someone in your house?
Well the normal information to start with:
Pets Name
Breed/Type/Colour/Distinctive markings (in case you have pets of similar/breed)
Age
Is your pet social? Some animals are more gregarious/outgoing than others!
Microchip details – make sure they are up to date
Where your pets, leads, collars and or carrying baskets are.
Name and contact details of their normal Vet
If they are vaccinated and when
What they normal food is and when they eat with rough amounts if not weighed out, and where is the food to be found.
If they have any illnesses, allergies, likes/dislikes
If they are receiving medication, what is the medication treating, what is its name, when they have it, how much they are given at any one time and how they are given in, and where is the medication to be found.If the medication needs to be kept in the fridge.
Any commands that your pets know;
For dogs if they pee/poo on or off lead
For cats if they use a litter tray and if they have a preference for a type of litter
And emergency contact details of someone who you have trusted to look after your pet, who is able to make decisions for their welfare.
Anything else you think anyone should know.
Obviously if you have any additional thoughts, please lets us know.