*UPDATE*

WE ARE NOW ONLY OFFERING EMERGENCY APPOINTMENTS FOR YOUR PETS AND FROM TOMORROW 25th March THIS WILL BE COVERED BY THE DIRECTORS (MARK AND PATRICK). PLEASE STILL CALL THE CLINIC ON 01245 324437, IF YOUR PET IS UNWELL, SO THAT WE CAN ADVISE YOU ON NECESSARY TREATMENT. WE WILL OPERATING REDUCED HOURS FROM 9AM TO 5PM AND WILL BE CLOSED ON SATURDAYS. OUR EMERGENCY COVER OUTWITH THESE HOURS REMAINS AT A LOCAL VETERINARY CLINIC AND YOU CAN CALL OUR NUMBER TO BE PUT THROUGH. WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OUR CLIENTS FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME AND LOOK FORWARD TO 'BUSINESS AS USUAL' AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. IN THE MEANTIME, STAY SAFE EVERYONE!

We would like to assure all clients that Blaircourt Pet Clinic is functioning as normal in the current Coronavirus epidemic. However, to ensure that we keep our visitors and employees as safe as possible, we are introducing some precautionary measures:

• Only one person is to accompany their pet into the clinic, other people are requested to stay in the car.
• Clients are to knock on the window to announce their arrival and only enter when asked.
• We will not be shaking hands when we greet clients
• We will provide hand sanitiser outside and inside the clinic and everyone must use these prior to entry.
• All door handles, light switches etc.. will be disinfected multiple times throughout the day.
• We will be using paper towels rather than hand towels

Although you may have heard news of a dog in Hong Kong testing positive for the virus, it did not show clinical signs and there is no evidence that our pets can transmit this strain of coronavirus or become sick from it. It is possible that they could spread the disease through environmental contamination on their fur so continue good hygiene practices in accordance with guidelines.

We will continue to monitor the situation, and take appropriate advice, amending our precautionary measures if it becomes necessary.

If you are self-isolating due to suspected or confirmed Covid-19:

• Do not bring your pets to the clinic. Nominate a friend/family member from outside your home to bring the animal to your practice and please inform us in this situation.
• Consider delaying routine treatments and consults for your pets.
• Restrict contact with pets as a precautionary animal health measure until more information is known about the virus.
• If your pet requires care, wash your hands before and after any interaction with them and wear a face mask if possible.
• Keep cats indoors if possible and try to arrange for someone else to exercise dogs, taking care to restrict any contact with the person walking your dog and making sure they practice good hygiene.
• If your pet shows clinical signs, please do not bring it to the vet but call the practice for advice.
• If your pet requires emergency treatment, call the practice for further advice. Do not bring your pet to the surgery unless the vet instructs you to. You may need to arrange for someone else to transport your pet for treatment.