Pets can work wonders as sources of stress relief, but the potential impact of COVID-19 on veterinary care is stressing out some pet owners.
Joan Mizzi-Fry’s 13-year-old cockapoo, Oscar, is “on the verge of glaucoma” and will need to have an eye removed. The Ramara woman’s veterinarian has told her she needs to make a decision soon, in the event the more extreme measure of shutting down all non-essential services is taken.
Veterinary care is not deemed an essential service in Ontario.
“To me, it’s very essential,” said Mizzi-Fry. “The well-being of your pet reflects on your own well-being. The last thing you should worry about is if anybody will be able to care for your pet.”
Mizzi-Fry wants veterinary care to become an essential service. That doesn’t mean she thinks clinics should operate as usual during a pandemic, but she feels the help should be there in emergency situations.
“Put a protocol in place, but don’t completely shut the doors,” she said.
In a letter to Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, Ontario Veterinary Medical Association CEO Doug Raven asks that veterinary medicine be deemed an essential service.
“Should a province-wide suspension of services be implemented, there could be adverse consequences for animal health and well-being,” he wrote.
OrilliaMatters sent a few questions to the association, which was too busy to answer them, according to a spokesperson.
Local vet clinics are taking their own precautionary measures as the virus continues to spread. Orillia and District Veterinary Services in Oro-Medonte is doing its best to practise social distancing.
“We’re just trying to reduce contact with groups of people,” said owner and veterinarian Sally Moran.
She noted the clinic is more than a health-care provider for people’s pets; it’s also “their pets’ grocery store, in a lot of cases, and their pharmacy.”
She is asking clients to call in advance to place their orders and then call again once they’ve arrived. Someone will take the ordered items out to the client’s vehicle, and payment will be accepted over the phone.
Moran also asks that only one person bring a pet to an appointment.
The clinic has been booking “staggered” appointments in an effort to reduce contact among clients.
“Every clinic is different,” Moran said. “Some have gone to emergency services only.”
Clients have responded well to the changes, she said.
“Because all of the other businesses are taking similar measures to reduce social contact, most people are understanding.”
Pet owners should be extra-careful at this time of year, as the tick season has just begun.
“It’s usually a busy time for us,” Moran said.
