Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Protocols

March 19, 2020 UPDATE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

To ensure the safety of both our staff and our clients, we are instituting a new protocol. Effective immediately, Dixie Animal Hospital will be keeping it's doors locked during the day and only offering curbside services with very limited exceptions of allowing clients/people into the building. We will have doorbells installed at both the front door and exit door for general public use, but the majority of initial contact should be made from within the client's vehicle (see procedures below). This new protocol is being put into place for the safety of both our staff and clients to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 as per the recommendations from the CDC, AVMA and several other health organizations. 

We understand that these new procedures are less than ideal, however, we want to do our best to ensure the safety of everyone involved which will result in allowing us to maintain operations for your pets as long as we can remain open. If you have any questions about these changes, please be sure to contact us as soon as possible.

March 18, 2020 INITIAL STATEMENT RELEASE

As each day progresses we are met with a steady stream of news and updates regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus) which is met with frequent changes to protocols and recommendations. At Dixie Animal Hospital, the health and safety of our patients, staff and community is our number one priority.    Our foreseeable goal is to continue to provide seamless and available service for you and your pets as long as possible. We are committed to offering a safe and healthy environment for you and your pets.  

Client Guidelines for Health and Safety

• We will have an option for obtaining the patient history over the phone and having a nurse pick up your pet from the car and then the doctor will call you to discuss your pet's exam findings and treatment options. If you would prefer this option, please give us a call as soon as you arrive so that we can arrange this.  This procedure may become mandatory (with limited exceptions) soon.  Also, when arriving to pickup prescriptions or other supplies, please call us and our staff can deliver these items out to your car.
• If you choose to come inside, we ask that you utilize the hand sanitizer found at both reception counters to combat the spread of COVID-19.   
• Ideally, when possible, please try to have only one person accompany your pet with their appointment. Exceptions can be made if you need assistance or other special circumstances.
•  If you are staying with your pets during an examination, we ask that you clean your pet's leashes, collars and carriers with an approved COVID-19 cleaning solution prior to arrival. As is always the case with drop-offs, we will ask you to take your pet's leash and collar with you. 
• At this time, we ask that you refrain from bringing anything for your pet to the clinic outside of necessary medications and/or food. All toys, blankets, etc. should be left at home. 
• If you or anyone in your family is experiencing flu-like symptoms, we ask that you please reschedule your pet's appointment or have a friend bring your animal in.  
• We have discussed and trained our staff on 'social distancing' and ask that you follow these CDC recommendations as well by maintaining a distance of 6 feet from others and refraining from shaking hands.

Client Precautionary Measures

• We are conducting more frequent sanitizing using the same disinfectants that we use in our surgical suites.
• We have posted signage and sent protocol notices to our staff encouraging good personal hygiene. 
• Team members are washing their hands before and after each appointment.
• We have asked staff to stay home and/or seek medical assistance if they are not feeling well. We have also asked that they contact management prior to coming in for a shift if they have had contact with someone who has been sick.
• We have been providing frequent government updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Florida Department of Health (FDoH) to our staff as well as recommendations from American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).