COVID-19 Plans
03/25/2020
This is a very weird and scary time with this new virus upon us. There are still many uncertainties about how it is transmitted and what the real risks are. Knowing that many of my clients are elderly or potentially at a higher risk along with concern for my own health and that of my family, I will be avoiding in-person housecall visits for a while. I am currently not accepting new patients and limiting consultations to phone or video calls through FaceTime or Zoom. Much of the services that I provide do involve extensive conversation, particularly hospice and end-of-life discussions. For current patients, these can continue to be done while physically distancing. I will continue to provide follow-up care and the usual deliveries of herbal and medication refills. As always, we can refill monthly heartworm preventatives and other needs through my online pharmacy (link). The big difference is that, sadly, conversation is more limited during these deliveries. I really do appreciate hearing about you and your families and the little details of your lives with your animals. Please let me know how you are doing with all of this! I hope everyone is able to stay healthy and safe.
Local veterinary clinics, including Iowa State University for after hours, are offering continued care for essential and emergency needs through a drive-up service where a technician takes your animal into the clinic while you wait outside. The veterinarian then calls your cell phone for a consultation. I will be referring any physical appointment needs to clinics that are prepared to limit human exposures in this way. I do still want to hear from you and stay up to date with your animals’ needs and any concerns you may have during this challenging time.
My planned spring travel for teaching in the Outer Banks, NC has been postponed until fall (hopefully!) We have a new Hospice & Palliative Medicine weekend course for veterinarians planned and have our current “Veterinary Herbal Apprenticeship and Retreat” 5-module class to complete. Some of it we will be able to do online, but so much of what we teach is hands-on that we will be postponing the last 2 modules of that course as well. I am using this time to improve my teaching materials, continue learning and update my business plans. I’ll do my best to offer what veterinary services I can while supporting my own family and friends. Wishing peace and health to all, and the capacity to be kind to ourselves and work through this together in whatever ways we are able.
Local veterinary clinics, including Iowa State University for after hours, are offering continued care for essential and emergency needs through a drive-up service where a technician takes your animal into the clinic while you wait outside. The veterinarian then calls your cell phone for a consultation. I will be referring any physical appointment needs to clinics that are prepared to limit human exposures in this way. I do still want to hear from you and stay up to date with your animals’ needs and any concerns you may have during this challenging time.
My planned spring travel for teaching in the Outer Banks, NC has been postponed until fall (hopefully!) We have a new Hospice & Palliative Medicine weekend course for veterinarians planned and have our current “Veterinary Herbal Apprenticeship and Retreat” 5-module class to complete. Some of it we will be able to do online, but so much of what we teach is hands-on that we will be postponing the last 2 modules of that course as well. I am using this time to improve my teaching materials, continue learning and update my business plans. I’ll do my best to offer what veterinary services I can while supporting my own family and friends. Wishing peace and health to all, and the capacity to be kind to ourselves and work through this together in whatever ways we are able.