Updated Practice Policy
During these uncertain times, we are trying our very best to continue supporting you and your pet.
So that we can continue to be here for you and your pet, please do not visit the surgery if you are:
– Showing symptoms, such as fever, cough, loss of taste or smell
– Living with someone that is currently self isolating
– Living with/been in contact with someone that has tested positive within the last 14 days
In order for us to keep our staff and yourself safe, we have had to change the way we work. Changes that have taken place include:
No entry policy
We are currently not allowing any members of the public into the building. Please stay in your car and call upon arrival so that one of our team can let the vet/nurse know that you have arrived. The consulting vet or nurse will speak to you either on the telephone or in the car park and your pet will be brought into the practice for their admission/examination.
Face masks and social distancing
If you come to visit us, please maintain social distancing and wear a face covering. This will help keep our staff healthy so that we can continue to care for your pets.
24 hour notice for prescriptions
Please allow 24 hours for repeat prescriptions, including flea and worming products.
Ideally email or use the prescription request form on our website, to help keep our phone lines free for appointments and emergencies.
Vaccines
We are currently still working our way through the backlog caused by lockdown and trying to keep up with the demand for all the new puppies and kittens!
We are prioritising first and second puppy vaccines as well as first year boosters.
We have been advised by the vaccine manufacturers that boosters can be delayed by 3 months. A booster reminder will be sent out to you at the appropriate time by post.
Nurse clinics
We are currently not offering 6 month health checks or weight clinics. When it comes to monthly weigh-ins for puppies, we’re asking you to weigh them at home if possible. The nurses will continue to carry out essential nail clips, Anal gland emptying, allergy/vitb12 injections, bandage changes and wound checks.
Puppy Parties
We are currently not able to offer a covid-19 friendly environment for Puppy parties.
If you have recently purchased a puppy, please start socialising your puppy with other vaccinated dogs as soon as possible. We are always on hand for advice and can direct you to a recognised behaviourist if required.
Card payments
So that we can avoid handling cash, we are asking you to pay by card. Our card machines are cleaned between payments.
Home visits
At this moment, for the safety of our staff, we are currently not offering home visits.
Euthanasia
Unfortunately, the current social distancing rules do not allow for us to perform euthanasia in the usual way.
Euthanasias are being carried out in the garden or in the waiting room area. We can only allow one person into the building to be with their pet during this time. We can accommodate more people outside if the weather allows.
Surgical procedures
We are currently not performing routine surgical procedures such as neuters, begin lump removals and dentals. If your pet requires a routine procedure and you are concerned that delaying poses a risk to your pets health/welfare please contact the surgery.
Our services
Our normal operating hours still apply and you can reach us either by phone 01245 352525 or by email info@elmhousevets.co.uk.
At this moment in time, we are able to offer prescription and food collections, socially distanced consultations and essential surgical procedures.
To avoid waiting times and congestion in our car park; please arrive at your appointment time.
Please continue to bear with us. The current situation has resulting in us having to adapt the way we work and has also resulted in unpredictable staffing levels.
We are doing our very best to provide you with a service that both you and your pet deserve without delay.
Thank you for your support and understanding during these difficult times
The Elm House Team
