Updated 8/17/2020

Dear PAWS Veterinary Center Families,

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, your team at PAWS will continue our protocol adjustments to ensure the continued safety of our clients, staff, and patients. We will make every effort to continue to provide high quality medicine to your beloved cats and dogs during this global health crisis. Veterinary care for your pets is considered an “essential service” in the State of Arizona, and we intend to do everything possible to keep stay open during this pandemic.

Cleaning & Disinfecting
While you cannot enjoy coffee on our patio, lobby, or exam rooms right now, we are continuing our hourly disinfection protocols of our treatment area, workstations, kitchen, and common areas to keep our staff healthy and safe at work. We have always actively cleaned and disinfected the hospital, and we have continued doubling down on these efforts.

Canceling Your Pet’s Appointment
Due to an increase in demand for appointments and services, PAWS will resuming our standard protocol for no-show and cancellation fees for scheduled appointments as of August 1st. We may request that you leave a deposit, equal to the cost of the exam fee, if you have a previous no show or cancellation less than 24 hours prior to your appointment, on your pet’s file. If you cannot keep your pet’s scheduled appointment, please call us with as much notice as possible, so that we have the opportunity to see another sick pet at that time. We request 24 hours’ notice for scheduled appointments and 48 hours’ notice for scheduled surgeries. Prompt cancellation allows our doctors the ability to see another family’s sick pet at that time slot.

Feeling Ill?
If you have a cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, or difficulty breathing, we ask that you reschedule your pet’s appointment.

Please do not come into the office if you are currently quarantined, actively sick, or have been exposed to Coronavirus. Delay routine care items until you are well. If your pet is sick, we will provide as much care as possible. We will ask that you send a friend, family member, or neighbor to bring your sick pet in for treatment, and we will contact you over the phone. Please let the staff know when scheduling the appointment if you have been exposed to Coronavirus, are sick, or are under active quarantine.

Wait Times & Appointment Availability
COVID-19 has taxed the veterinary industry in a way we haven’t seen before. In a short amount of time, the pandemic created the “perfect storm” of too many animals needing help and not enough people to help them. A combination of new adoptions during the shelter-in-place order, the typical busy season of summertime and puppy & kitten season, and nationwide staffing shortages has caused a drastic increase in demand for sick pet and wellness appointments. Be assured that your team at PAWS is doing their very best to provide the excellent client service and patient care that we pride ourselves on. Taking the time needed to address the pet owner’s concerns, as well as complete the treatments and diagnostics our patients need in a low-stress way will inevitably create longer wait times for pet owners. We have increased options for pet owners to have their pet stay with us for their visit and provide flexibility with scheduling as much as possible. We had added additional staff to help keep up with this increased demand and make your visits as smooth as possible. However, we will never cut corners when it comes to the health and safety of our patients. We ask only for your patience and kindness as we navigate this new environment and do all we can to be here for you and your pets.

Checking In & Curbside Service
Please fill out your pet’s Patient Exam Questionnaire https://form.jotform.com/200800896856160 before your appointment to provide important health details to their veterinary team. This will also help us decrease your wait time during your pet’s visit.

When you arrive for your visit at PAWS, we ask that you text us at (520) 888-7297 to let us know you have arrived. We will ask you to wait in your car for the duration of your pet’s visit.

We ask that you please limit the number of people per visit to 1 adult (over 18 years of age) who is listed as an Owner on your pet’s medical chart. During your pet’s visit, please help us practice social distancing and wear a mask or face covering when interacting with a member of the PAWS team.

Pickups of your pet’s medication or food should follow the same routine — call us to pay via credit card over the phone and we will bring your purchases to your vehicle.

During Your Pet’s Exam
Your pet’s technician will call you to obtain important history about your pet and their visit. Your pet’s technician will then come to your vehicle and take your pet inside (inside their carrier for cats or small dogs, or double-leashed with a sanitized slip lead for dogs). Our team is unable to get into your vehicle, so please do your best to assist us by getting your pet securely (on a leash or in a carrier) out of the car after you arrive.

Your pet’s veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination. Your pet’s veterinary team will contact you over the phone to discuss the findings of your pet’s exam. We will perform any approved treatments, then call you to pay via credit card over the phone, and discharge you from the parking lot. We want you and your pet to feel safe and cared for to the best of our abilities, as well as to protect our staff from possible exposure.

Pets On Long Term Medications
Please be sure you have medication supplies for at least 3 weeks. This includes cardiac, insulin, asthma and allergy medications, flea and tick preventatives, heartworm preventatives etc. Be sure you have a minimum of 3 weeks of dog and cat food, plus treats and cat litter.

For refills, call our main number, then choose Option 2 for our dedicated refill line to request refills of your pet’s medications, or request them from your pet’s portal on VitusVet.

**Please keep in mind, PAWS has a 48 hour policy for refills. We have been experiencing a high volume of calls and medication requests, so please keep this in mind and know that we are doing all we can to get your pet’s medication approved and filled for you as quickly as possible.**

Human to Animal Virus Risk
American Veterinary Medical Association update as of 6/15/20, supported by guidance from the CDC and World Organization for Animal Health:

As of 6/8/2020, there have been fewer than 25 reports from around the world of pets (dogs and cats) being infected with SARS-CoV-2; however, none of these reports suggest that pets are a source of infection for people. Evidence to date from the few domestic animals that have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 indicate these infections are typically a result of close contact with people with COVID-19.

There is little to no evidence that domestic animals are easily infected with SARS-CoV-2 under natural conditions and no evidence to date that they transmit the virus to people. The primary mode of transmission of COVID-19 in humans is person-to-person spread.

Other appropriate practices include not letting pets interact with people or other animals outside the household; keeping cats indoors, if possible, to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people; walking dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet from other people and animals; and avoiding dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather.

If you are ill with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed with a test), restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would with other people; have another member of your household care for your pets while you are sick; avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them. You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding, as these measures will surely increase wait and hold times for our valued clients. Together, we will work through this event. If you have any questions, please call or email us. As the situation is fluid, we will continue to provide updates as they are available.

Sincerely,
The Doctors and staff at PAWS Veterinary Center

PAWS Veterinary Center
300 E River Road
Tucson, AZ 85704
(520) 888-7297