When a pet has a health problem or is due for its regular check-up, most pet parents immediately make an appointment. However, now is not an ordinary time. With the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, you might be hesitant to go outside if you don't absolutely have to. However, you should never neglect your pet's health. If you're worried about danger to you and potentially your pet by going to the veterinarian's office, here's what you should know.

Handling Pet Parents

When veterinarian's offices see pets, they ordinarily invite the pet owners to come on in with their pet, sit in the waiting room, and then wait to be seen in a treatment area. However, that's not the case with a majority of veterinarian's offices right now, either due to legal restrictions put in place by counties and states or in an effort to simply protect themselves and others.

Right now, it's much more likely that you'll be asked to stay outside while your pet is brought in for veterinary services. You'll either wait in your car or come to the door to hand over your pet in their carrier, or on a leash. This helps to reduce the amount of contact vets and their staff have with you, and vice versa. Your pet will still receive the same treatment and quality of care it always did.

After your pet has been seen, the vet or an assistant will speak to you, either in-person or over the phone. This is when they'll discuss your pet's needs, what was done during their time with the vet, and what you can expect going forward.

Patient Precautions

While there's no solid evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted to pets from humans or vice versa, there is some evidence that cats, at the very least, can contract the disease. As a result, your vet will be taking precautions with your furry friends, too.

Your vet's office will be ensuring that staff are wearing masks and are regularly washing up to help prevent the spread of disease. Furthermore, you can expect the treatment areas and screening rooms to be thoroughly cleaned after every pet's visit. However, if you're worried about your pet's well-being, the likelihood of your pet experiencing a problem is extraordinarily low. As of now, there have been no official warnings made or concerns raised regarding pets being at risk of the disease.

If you've been putting off your pet's care, even if it's just for their yearly vaccinations or check-up, it's time to change that. Make an appointment with a vet, and if you have concerns, ask what the procedure is and what they're doing to ensure the safety of all involved. They'll be happy to communicate with you and put your mind at ease.