To help keep everyone safe, the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre is limiting interaction between clinical staff and animal owners. 

The risk of contracting COVID-19 from our animal patients is extremely low. Based on information from the World Health Organization and other sources, human-to-human contact is the main risk. The following recommendations will help to minimize that risk:

• WASH your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.
• WIPE objects after passing them between you and others.
• WIPE objects, counters, surfaces and any touch point after each use.
• WIPE counters and surfaces frequently, especially in areas used by more than one person.
• DON’T ALLOW clients to enter the hospital. Use the phone to talk to the animals’ owners.

Our approach is to assume that all clients and their animals may have been exposed to the virus regardless of an owner’s known COVID status.

• USE the same preventive measures with all clients, whether they are COVID-positive or not.
• USE the same preventive measures with all animal patients, whether owners are COVID-positive or not.
• If clients say they are COVID-positive or living with a COVID-positive person, ask them to arrange for someone outside of their home (if possible) to transport sick animals to the VMC.
• PLACE canine patients from COVID-positive homes in a designated kennel ward.

Q. When do we use isolation procedures?

• USE the isolation door and follow isolation procedures for animals that may have contagious disease.
• DO NOT USE isolation door or procedures for animals whose owners are COVID-positive.

Managing feline patients

Since cats may be susceptible to infection and could potentially spread the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, everyone must wear personal protective equipment or PPE (including face shields) when handling feline patients.

• USE the same admission procedures for all cats.
• USE the iodine therapy room to house any hospitalized cats with respiratory disease.
• USE the iodine therapy anteroom to house any hospitalized cats from known COVID-positive homes but without respiratory disease.
• USE feline ward or ICU for all other cats, as necessary.
• CHANGE all PPE after providing care to cats from COVID-positive homes or cats with respiratory disease.

Reception staff

• WEAR a mask at all times in the hospital.
• ALWAYS WEAR a lab coat, mask and gloves when you interact with a client.
• WIPE any kennel or container with disinfectant before handling.
• WEAR a lab coat or gown, mask and gloves when you interact with staff in a space of less than two metres.
• USE the same lab coat and mask for a full shift unless they become soiled.
• ALWAYS CHANGE your gloves between interactions. Wash or disinfect hands when changing gloves.
• ANY TIME you have concerns, go ahead and change your lab coat, mask or gloves.

Technical staff and clinicians

• WEAR a mask at all times in the hospital.
• ALWAYS WEAR a lab coat, mask and gloves when you interact with a client.
• WIPE the animal with disinfectant before you begin a physical exam.
• WEAR a lab coat or gown, mask and gloves when handling an animal (and face shield if patient is a cat, ferret or hamster). Don’t put your face near the animal’s fur or skin.
• WEAR a lab coat or gown, mask and gloves when you interact with staff in a space of less than two metres.
• USE the same mask for a full shift unless it becomes soiled. Change your gloves and coat or gown between cases if possible. Wash or disinfect hands when changing gloves.
• ANY TIME you have concerns, go ahead and change your lab coat, mask or gloves.

Admission procedures

• WEAR lab coat, mask and gloves (and face shield if patient is a cat, ferret or hamster) to meet the client at curbside (outside foyer).
• WIPE any kennel or container with disinfectant in the clinic foyer before you enter the reception area. Use your judgment if the animal’s condition is critical.
• CHANGE your gloves after receiving the pet from the client. Wash or disinfect hands when changing gloves.

Discharge procedures

• WEAR lab coat, mask and gloves to meet the client at the door. 
• If payment must be received with client:
  • STAY BEHIND the shield
  • WIPE the handheld payment terminal, pen and other items handled by the client
  • CHANGE your gloves. Wash or disinfect hands when changing gloves.

If you have concerns, tell someone!

Ask questions or email wcvm.covid19questions@usask.ca. Your input helps to identify gaps or important messages.