COVID-19 Update

We’re here to help you!

We would like you to read this important update for our clients from Dr Melissa Kozaruk on COVID-19.

The health and wellbeing of our people and clients is paramount.  Given the evolving situation of Coronavirus (COVID-19) within Australia and across the world, we wanted to provide you with an update of the changes we’ve put in place to ensure the wellbeing of our team and our clients to help do our bit to slow the spread of the virus. We are monitoring the situation daily and will adjust how we operate accordingly. We want to reassure you that there is no immediate concern for clients at our clinic. 

We remain open at the same operating hours and continuing business as usual at this time, however minor delays are to be expected.

We have lifted our health and hygiene standards even higher to keep our team and clients safe, together with other precautionary measures:

  • Disinfecting public areas and toilets including handles, chair surfaces, reception bench area and front door regularly throughout the day;
  • Placing hand sanitisers on our reception area and consultation rooms for clients to use when entering the clinic;
  • After each consultation, the consultation room and equipment is thoroughly cleaned with F10 veterinary disinfectant;
  • A strict wellness policy, employees must stay home if they are showing any signs of illness;
  • We’ve placed posters in our reception and toilet areas to remind people of good hygiene;
  • We are not shaking hands, give us a wave or an elbow bump instead!

There are several areas we are asking for help from our clients; they are:

  1. If you have returned this week from overseas travel, in line with Australian Government guidelines around self-isolation, please don’t visit our clinic.  If your pet needs urgent assistance, please call on 0243845888 to discuss options.
  2. If you have cold and flu symptoms, or are self-isolating, we ask that you delay your consultation until the period of self-isolation is complete or symptoms are resolved.  If your pet needs urgent assistance, please call us to discuss options, this will help us to determine the best course of action, which may include collecting your pet from your car or conducting the consultation via phone. 
  3. Social distancing. Medical experts deem that social distancing keeps more people healthy, will help flatten the curve and slow the spread of the virus.  To provide social distancing in our waiting room, please call us when you arrive and wait in your car with your pet or outside.  Once we are ready to see you, we will with text or call you to come around to the clinic. If you are running late, please let us know in advance so we can manage this. Please use contact-less payment methods and bring your own pen to complete any relevant forms.

Can your pet catch COVID-19?

While COVID-19 seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now mainly spreading from person-to-person. There is no evidence that any animals including pets might be a source of infection with this new virus. There have been no reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19 in Australia.  There is also no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19.

Precautionary steps to follow as a pet owner:

  • Follow good hygiene when interacting with your pets
  • Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds with soap and water after touching your pet
  • Avoid sharing food with your pets or letting your pets kiss or lick your face or mouth
  • Keep your pet’s vaccinations and parasite treatments up to date and maintain regular veterinary health checks

If you are well, have an appointment for your pet for a health check, vaccination or they are unwell, please come in and see us, it’s important you keep up with your pet’s health regime.

Thanks for your ongoing support of our clinic at this difficult time.  We wish you and your family well.

Dr Melissa Kozaruk BVSc (Hons) – Hospital Director