COVID-19

We understand there is significant anxiety regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is that at this stage, there does not appear to be a risk of transmission from our pets to people. This is being closely monitored, but at this stage, we recommend normal hygienic practice after handling your pets (hand washing with normal soap and water for 20 seconds or longer). Our practice is committed to health and safety of both our team, and our clients. This situation is constantly changing, and we will provide ongoing updates to keep you informed of the changes we are making as we receive advice from the World Health Organisation, The Australian Veterinary Association, The Department of Health and other sources to keep up to date with the situation. We have already instituted some guidelines to minimize the spread of COVID-19 within our practice. Our team will be following these guidelines and expect visiting clients to also follow these. At this stage the we remain open unless we are directed to do otherwise. We want to assure you that we are doing everything we can to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in our clinic and ask that you follow the government recommendations of having a 4 metre radius around you at the clinic and use the hand sanitisers provided. What this means for you as a client? This will mean only one client can be in the clinic at any one time (one pet, one client rule) please do not bring extra people to your appointment as they will be asked to wait outside or in the car (this includes children). We have extended our consulting times to 30 minutes to minimise the number of people at the clinic at anyone time. Unfortunately, it means that you will not be able to go into the consulting room with your pet. We request that you please remain seated in the waiting room until your pet is collected from you and then the vet will either speak to you from the consulting room door or talk to you on the phone if necessary. We will also be asking you prior to appointments whether you are in self isolation, whether you have travelled recently, whether you are unwell and any other prudent questions that will help us maintain the governments recommendations. Please be considerate and if you are feeling unwell or are high risk arrange for someone else to bring them to the clinic and we will call you on the phone so you can still make all the decisions that are required for your pets or in some circumstances we may be able to provide a telemedicine consult We also are asking clients to pay via pay way, card or over the phone if possible as handling cash is very risky in the current circumstances. This time is full of uncertainty. We want to remain healthy ourselves so we can provide the essential care to your pets. But most of all, we want to keep the vulnerable members of our population safe and healthy. If the measures we take prevents infection in any single person, then we are happy to comply. We thank you for your patience and understanding during these unusual circumstances. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at the clinic by phone: 8983 1183 or by email: manager@girraweenvet.com.au Stay safe and well. Kind regards, Dr. Laurelle, Dr Storm, Dr Hilton, Zoe, Katy, Oli and Team Girraween Veterinary Hospital

Ordering Policy

Due to the current economic climate resulting from many factors including the current COVID-19 pandemic, we at Girraween Veterinary Hospital are strategising ways to keep our doors open and you and your fur babies happy and healthy during these tough times.   One of the ways we are doing this is by changing our prescription food ordering policy. Note: ALL PADDOCK TO PLATE RAW FOOD IS IN STOCK AND EXPERIENCING NO SHORTAGES! Starting Friday, 20th of March and continuing indefinitely, we are asking all our clients to prepay ahead of time for any bags of food they would like to purchase.  This will scale down our in-house stock level and reduce the amount of unnecessary ordering.  SO… When you notice you have about a week’s worth of food left for your pet, give the clinic a call or come in and pay for the food and we will add it to our order for the week. It generally takes 7 days for road orders to arrive but keep in mind there may be delays due to unforeseen circumstances.   Thank you for your continued understanding! Your team at Girraween Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Laurelle, Dr. Storm, Dr. Hilton, Nurse Zoe, Nurse Olivia, & Nurse Katy

Australian Veterinary Association’s Response:

What is a coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that infect birds and mammals, including humans. They are often associated with the common cold, bronchitis and pneumonia, and can also affect the gut. The virus that causes COVID-19 is also a coronavirus and likely originated from a wildlife reservoir. Canine coronavirus, which can cause diarrhoea, and feline coronavirus, which can cause feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), have been seen by veterinarians for many years. They do not cause infections in humans. These coronaviruses are not associated with the current COVID-19 pandemic. Can COVID-19 infect pets? There have been reports from Hong Kong that a dog owned by a patient with COVID-19 has tested positive to the presence of the virus in its nose and mouth. This is may be a case of human to animal transmission, however the dog’s first blood tests have been negative. At this stage there is no evidence that pet dogs or cats are a source of infection to other animals or humans. We are continuing to monitor this situation and will provide updated information as it becomes available. Should I avoid contact with pets or other animals if I am sick with COVID-19? As the outbreak continues, a number of pet owners will be placed in quarantine, either with confirmed COVID-19 infection or due to exposure. We know that your pet is part of your family and you will want them to have the same level of protection and care as any other family member. Current information suggests there is no apparent risk to you or your pet from being in quarantine with you. However, we do advise all pet owners continue to practice appropriate hand hygiene before and after handling their pet, their food and washing food/water bowls. At no stage should pet owners do anything that may compromise the welfare of their pets. We suggest minimising close contact with your pet during this time, such as hugging, face to face contact or sleeping on your bed. What do I do if I am in quarantine or self-isolation and my pet is unwell? If you are in quarantine, do not break quarantine to take your pet to the veterinarian even if your pet is unwell. By doing this you will put your veterinarian and staff at risk of infection. Ring your veterinary surgery first and ask for advice. If your pet needs to be seen, your veterinarian will be able to work with you to ensure your pet will receive the care they need, while keeping themselves and their staff safe from COVID-19 infection. If your vet provides house calls, please let them know you are under quarantine before they arrive. If you have any other concerns about your pet, please ask your veterinarian. Note that this is a rapidly evolving situation and advice provided here is reflective of the evidence at hand (16-03-20). For up to date information on the COVID-19 situation in Australia go to health.gov.au