**** COVID-19 UPDATE *****

The current situation regarding COVID-19 is stressful and at the forefront of our minds, for the health and wellbeing of our patients, clients and staff is of the utmost importance to us. The Athens community is joining together in a commitment to controlling the spread of this virus, so we want to provide an update on the actions we are taking at Boulevard Animal Hospital to help care for the community we love as we navigate these new and uncertain waters together.

1. We are being very flexible with our cancellation policy. If you are feeling under the weather, please cancel your appointment. Coronavirus can spread in the very early stages (early cough, low-grade fever, sore throat), so if you are feeling off just let us know and stay home to take care of yourself.

2. We are increasing the frequency of our cleaning, including all frequently touched surfaces such as door knobs, pens, computers, counter tops, etc. We are using commercial products that are known to be effective against viral pathogens.

3. Our small and close knit staff is committed to staying home with any sign of illness and are encouraged to do so. Please be patient if we are short on staff as those of us with small children will need to adjust to school closures. We so appreciate the collaborative effort of the community to keep everyone well and the children cared for at home.

4. We are currently asking clients to call from the parking lot when they arrive. Clients will be taken into an exam room through a dedicated door to eliminate contact with other clients in the lobby. This will allow for less client-to-client contact in the lobby, as well as allow us time to bring pets out to their cars for clients dropping off. We’ll also be doing a more thorough cleaning of the treatment rooms between each pet. Expect a 45 minute appointment time for these necessary adjustments. Please help us with this flow when you can.

5. Drop-off appointments are another way to help us reduce exposure for one another. We are encouraging drop-off appointments, but they are not mandatory at this time, however this may change as week goes on. The intimate time we get to spend with you and your pet has always been cherished, but especially if you are older, have compromised health in your family or if you have traveled recently, we’re committed to continuing to help your pet through drop-off appointments. Just call us at 706-425-5099.

6. Social distancing. Coronavirus can be spread through respiratory droplets, not just coughing and sneezing, so the CDC recommends working towards maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet between people. This will feel out of character for us, but we will work to maintain this when possible in appointments and when interacting with staff.

7. We can fill medications and food requests over the phone, and will be happy to deliver these to clients as they wait in their cars. As a reminder, we do request a 24 hour time period for prescription refills. Please let us know if you want to utilize this service.

8. Thankfully, coronavirus is unlikely to pass between pets and humans. The single confirmed case of viral particles in a pet dog occurred after close exposure to a human in a house under quarantine with a confirmed positive human case. Only one of the dogs in the household carried any viral particles (the other pet dog has been persistently negative). No animals have shown any signs of illness. The AVMA and CDC are currently saying (as of 3/16/20) that it is very unlikely for pets to be involved in the transmission of coronavirus, both among pets or from pet-to-human.

9. We have decided to postpone all elective surgical procedures at this time. Although our patients are (usually!) smaller, surgery does require a substantial use of oxygen and sterilization products, which are valuable resources that may be required in treating the human population in our community if the hospitalization of critical patients becomes widespread. We will still be performing emergency procedures as deemed necessary.

For us at Boulevard Animal Hospital, these feel like positive action steps we can take to help get closer to the end of this crisis and lessen its impact on our wonderful community. We are so lucky to be surrounded by friends and family who have been supportive as our practice adapts to ongoing challenges. We have never ceased to be amazed by all of you! Of course, this situation is evolving, and Boulevard Animal Hospital will be flexible in keeping up with recommendations on how to most effectively operate in these confusing times. We will keep you posted on changes or updates and are always open to your feedback and ideas. Thank you for your understanding, continued support, and assistance in these measures. We are in this together!

Sincerely,

The doctors and staff of

Boulevard Animal Hospital