HERON'S CROSSING COVID-19 PROTOCOL

May 3, 2022

Our goal during this time and all times is to be here to support you through the loss of your beloved friend and to help your pet say goodbye peacefully and gently at home where they are most comfortable.

What we are doing:

  • Our doctors will continue to wear a mask when in a family’s home for everyone’s safety
  • Our veterinarians have been fully vaccinated.
  • If the veterinarian becomes ill with COVID symptoms, they will immediately self-isolate, pursue COVID-19 testing if available, and not return to work for 10 days or until cleared by their doctor

What we ask of you during this time:

  • It is not required for you or your family to wear a mask.
  • Let our support staff know if you or anyone in your family has been ill with COVID-19 symptoms (fever, dry cough, shortness of breath) so that we can take the proper precautions.
  • Wash your hands immediately before and after the doctor’s visit.
  • Maintain a distance of 3 to 6 feet from the doctor and minimize closer distance periods to less than 15 minutes.
  • If weather and pet temperament permits, consider having the visit outdoors
  • If you prefer to avoid the risk of transmission, you may talk to our support team or doctor about an unattended euthanasia, in which the doctor gently and lovingly euthanizes your pet without any owners present.
  • Most importantly, we ask our clients for their understanding and flexibility during this challenging time. Cancelling or rescheduling a client’s visit is a last-resort option and a decision that we do not take lightly. However, if our doctor is suddenly feeling ill or was exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case, we will be in contact with you with alternative options.

We recognize that there is an inherent risk with all types of social contact and we understand that many people want to avoid that risk. Our doctors have some level of inevitable risk of exposure, just as the general public does, due to their families and activities of daily living such as grocery shopping. If you are interested in learning options for keeping your pet as comfortable as possible until the risk of COVID-19 lessens, we recommend that you contact your family vet for palliative care options or talk with a member of our team about options for unattended euthanasia.

As this situation unfolds, there may be additional recommendations handed down by the CDC or the Georgia Department of Health. We will monitor these and make changes to this plan as necessary. We promise to communicate transparently and clearly and do whatever we can to identify options and precautions to keep everyone safe and healthy.