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COVID-19 vs CULTURE Series: Veterinarians Continue to Care for Fur Babies Against All Odds

By Diwa Barin Paz

Manager at Horseshoe Vet Clinic

 

Pet responsibility is serious. Unlike humans, animals have different ways to express themselves, but the most difficult part is that they do not speak human. 

In this COVID-19 pandemic, information is key to overcoming the challenges associated with it. And in reality, some people prioritize the health of their human family members for food, medicine, and wellness, but we mustn’t forget about our fur family, too.  

 

Veterinarians

 

A Common Day in the Vet's Clinic 

Everyday, we always start and end with extra disinfecting and cleaning and all our staff members have specific assignments for before and after duty. Our reception is ready with COVID-19 protocols for incoming clients with appointments, and our system is followed with social distancing inside the clinic. We often get inquiries via Facebook messenger, mobile text and phone calls. We also have consultations with follow-ups. Occasionally, we get emergency walk-in cases wherein we have to give immediate medical attention. But generally, we accept walk-ins depending on veterinarian availability, and severity of emergency. Attending vets follow up on confined cases. I close the clinic after all appointments and scheduled operation/surgery. Time management is crucial as well as after-clinic procedures because of the government mandated public safety hours and watching out for the health of the staff. 

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Extra-extra Precautions

We at Horseshoe Clinic keep high standards with our safety protocols so that we can continue serving our clients efficiently, both human and pets. Even before the pandemic, we invested in a filtration system so as to minimize the smell and fur circulating in the clinic. Our examination rooms and bathrooms are also sanitized more often than before.  To adapt to our current situation, we also offer curb-side service when applicable if owners do not want to come in the clinic, and we offer contactless payment channels and minimize hand contact points. We also offer telemedicine for follow ups for less exposure. 

Veterinarians

 

How the Veterinary Practice was Affected by COVID-19 

Many aspects of veterinary medicine are essential to public health, food safety and animal welfare. A lot of clinics did not have the capacity to open up during the first few months due to the pandemic. Every time quarantine restrictions change, we also have to adjust based on employee capacity and other guidelines from the IATF. Luckily, we were fortunate enough to get enough people to work safely and efficiently during both ECQ and MECQ. As the quarantine eased up, more employees were willing and able to work. When we shifted to MECQ, we offered housing and transportation assistance to the employees with difficulties. 

There are limited studies regarding COVID-19 transmission of people to pets and vice versa, but we do encourage COVID-19 positive pet-owners to isolate themselves from their pets. Besides COVID-19, there are other viruses that we can bring in our homes and infect our pets.   

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Handling Fur Parents and Patients 

Pets are received and handled by vet-aids during checkups, and we also accept grooming appointments which are only for drop-off. We make sure to control the number of companions per pet. There is a waiting area outside for those who have appointments or added companions. 

Most Challenging Now

We experienced a setback when our sister-company had to close down a branch, and we had to absorb some employees to keep them from losing their jobs due to the closure and the pandemic. Despite challenges, it’s important to keep in mind that we must all work together and support each other as much as possible in these difficult times. As mentioned, we have high standards for our safety protocols. It’s also hard work to keep up the diligence, but it’s certainly worth it to ensure everyone’s health. It’s also challenging to anticipate the attitudes of our pet-owner clients towards “new normal” procedures.  

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Touching cases

We often get food or tokens from clients, some with different reasons to show appreciation to the vets and staff. But personally, it’s most touching when we get appointments from past clients and owners who have pets who passed away under our care, whether from sickness, old age or emergencies. Whether it’s with a different pet or a new one entirely, it makes us happy and gives us a sense of fulfilment to know and feel that we are trusted. 

Veterinarians

 

General Message to the Public 

It’s important to remember to treat pets as you would other human family members. Naturally, if a person inside the household becomes sick, you would isolate that person from everyone else; so it shouldn’t be any different with pets. As their caretakers and family too, we have a duty to make sure that they’re just as healthy as we are.

Psychologically, caring for something other than yourself is emotionally good for the body, mind, and soul--and a pet’s love never fails. Remember to enjoy your time with your pets since they only have limited time with us, and we must do all that we can to make sure they live long and happy lives alongside us. 

Veterinarians

 

About the Author 

Diwa Barin Paz is a manager at Horseshoe Pet Clinic where she oversees daily clinic operations and the Veterinary staff. She is an alumna and former student-athlete of the University of the Philippines-Diliman. She is also managing a small agri feed-business in San Juan City.  

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HORSESHOE PET CLINIC is located at #72 Ground Floor, AAP Building, Esteban Abada St., Brgy. Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines