Pella Corner GUIDELINES FOR COVID-19

Dear Valued Clients and Family Veterinarians,
 
Pella Corner Animal Hospital cares greatly about you, your family, our team members and our local community. We are remaining at the forefront of information regarding COVID-19, particularly from the CDC and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). We have made every effort to provide a safe and healthy environment for our clients and staff.
 
We want to let you know what actions we are taking to mitigate the chances of contracting or spreading COVID-19 within our facility.
 
What we’re doing:

• Discouraging all personal contact within our facility. We have a “no handshake” policy. Give us a wave and we will wave back.
• Practicing social distancing of a minimum of 6 feet, when possible.
• Having our team members stay home if they are ill or believe that they have been exposed to COVID-19
• Educating our team members on preventative measures provided by the CDC and AVMA as updates are provided.
• Offering hand sanitizer and/or a sink for handwashing upon immediate arrival at Pella Corner.
• Implementing heightened sanitation and hand-washing procedures for all team members.
• Increasing the frequency and extent of our cleaning practices (i.e. additional wipe downs of all hard surfaces, door handles, lobby area and exam rooms).
• Team members could be in personal protective equipment (masks, gowns, goggles and gloves) for safety when they come into the lobby, exam room or to your vehicle.
• Asking all clients prior to a scheduled appointment or emergent care need if they or any immediate family members have traveled internationally over the past two weeks, or if they or any immediate family members have felt unwell. If so, alternative options will be recommended.
• Offering telemedicine as an alternative option! While this is very new to us, we are committed to making this an option for our clients. Please contact our office to find out more information.
• Offering drop off appointments (where clinically appropriate) to help reduce the amount of time you need to spend in an exam room or in the lobby. We are happy to come to the car to admit your pet. Please call us at (720) 864-8520 when you arrive and we will meet you and your pet outside.
• In an emergency, we are here to continue exceptional quality care for you and your pet. Please call us prior to arriving at Pella Corner so that we can be prepared for your arrival. If you are sick, have had recent international travel or have reason to believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, we ask that you remain in the comfort of your vehicle while we initially meet your pet outside. We may have conversations with you over the phone from the parking lot and approve treatment plans and consent forms electronically.
• It is one of our greatest honors to be able to offer end of life care for pets at Pella Corner. It is extremely important to us and our team that you know that we are still here for you.
• We will make every effort to handle all requests for an extended supply of medications. You can request an extended supply of medications by calling us at (720) 864-8520. It may take additional time before we can provide the extended prescription.
• We ask for your patience and understanding as we potentially alter our schedules over the next 2-4 weeks. This situation is obviously very fluid. We will make changes as needed to support the needs of both our clients and our staff.  

 
What we encourage clients to do:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Prior to entering Pella Corner Animal Hospital, we are asking all clients with a scheduled appointment or emergency visit if they or any immediate family members have traveled internationally over the past 2 weeks, or if they or any immediate family members have felt ill. If so, alternative options will be recommended.
• It is most important to us that if you are feeling ill, and if your pet is stable, please consider a telemedicine appointment.
• Wash your hands frequently and use a paper towel to dry.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue and then dispose of the tissue and wash hands.
• As many of you may be experiencing, many schools are cancelled for the next 2-3 weeks. In these dynamic and unexpected times, please know that we understand schedules may need to change and we are aiming to be as flexible as possible.
• As this is a rapidly changing situation, continue to follow all CDC recommendations.

 
Please know that we will continue to work around the clock to ensure our team is going above and beyond in keeping our facility safe for all. We hope to be a center for calm, continued support, not only for you as clients, but also for our team members and local referral community. Thank you for your patience, trust and ongoing support.
 
Sincerely,
Dr. Jessica Russell
Owner of Pella Corner Animal Hospital