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How to Visit the Vet Safely
in the COVID-19 Era
By Yasmine Ali, M.D.
COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel The American Veterinary Medical Association
coronavirus, has drastically changed lives and (AVMA) has recommended that veterinarians
requires a rethinking of even the most basic “consider postponing elective procedures
everyday tasks. That includes taking your dog to the and appointments until recommendations or
vet—an essential service that many dog owners are requirements for social distancing and supply
wondering how to access safely in the COVID-19 conservation are lifted.” You may find, by
era. calling ahead, that your veterinarian is already
implementing these guidelines.
But living in the age of COVID-19 doesn’t mean
that your dog has to go without necessary veterinary
care. Here’s how to get the care your dog needs,
while still protecting yourself.
Understand How COVID-19 Spreads
The primary way the coronavirus that causes
COVID-19 spreads is from person to person,
through respiratory droplets. As the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now states,
“The virus can spread between people interacting in
close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing,
or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting
symptoms.”
This knowledge has led the CDC to issue
recommendations for social distancing that include
maintaining at least six feet of space between people
as well as wearing face coverings when out in public Ask for Curbside or Drop-Off Service
(and at this time the CDC recommends staying at Vet Clinics
home unless you are accessing or performing an For dogs that do need to be seen in the clinic, many
essential service). veterinary offices have gone to curbside service only,
meaning the veterinarian or veterinary technician
will meet you and your dog at your car; they will
take your dog inside while you remain in your car or
otherwise outside the building.
Because you will need to hand your dog’s leash or
carrier to veterinary staff, this is a good time to be
wearing a face covering and come only close enough
to hand off your dog quickly to the staff. Ideally, try
to stay at the end of your dog’s six-foot leash, leaving
the six feet of distance between you and veterinary
staff during the handoff. This is also an opportunity
to practice good hand hygiene. If you happen to
have hand sanitizer in your car, use it as soon as you
Call Ahead get in your car to wait while your dog is inside.
If you already have a routine preventive care visit Take care not to touch your face at any time while
scheduled for your dog, call your veterinarian’s office you are out on this or any other errand. Once you
and determine how urgent that visit is, or if it can be are home, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds
rescheduled to a later date. Some routine physical before doing anything else.
exams and routine procedures like dental cleanings
may be safely delayed by a couple of months or If you’re not sure whether or not your vet is
more, for instance, especially in healthy adult dogs, currently offering curbside service, call ahead before
while other services, such as puppy vaccinations, your dog’s appointment and ask. If they have not yet
have to be performed on schedule. gone to offering this service routinely, request that
they do so for your appointment.
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