#Middlebury #Pets #Veterinarian
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My state has stopped its reopening plan and stepped back to phase 2, which limits business hours, puts a curfew back in place, and essentially puts us into lockdown again. My dog, Custer, is supposed to visit the vet every six months due to a chronic condition, but we haven’t gone all year because I don’t know if it’s safe or if lockdown rules apply. Should I just hold off on Custer’s visits until next year? – Taylor C., Brockton, Massachusetts
DEAR TAYLOR: Give the veterinarian a call today, because he or she will have the best, most up-to-date guidance on opening and operating as this pandemic continues. The situation with business openings and lockdowns is very fluid right now, and rules are different from state to state and even between cities.
When the first lockdown rules began to ease, back in June, the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to veterinary offices was to prioritize emergency and urgent visits first, followed by routine visits. Some states explicitly designated veterinary practice as an essential service, allowing them to remain open even during strict lockdown phases.
Custer’s veterinarian will be able to tell you when the next routine appointment is available. Scheduling may be tight, not because there are many urgent cases ahead of you, but because the practice is limited to a certain number of visitors in the building at one time.
Keeping up with Custer’s visits is very important. I am almost certain the vet will want to see Custer soon and will probably make his visit a priority because of his ongoing health issue.
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