This article consists of Templates which can be used for Content Pages to inform your pet owners. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• COVID CURBSIDE
• COVID SAFETY
• SHORTAGE OF APPOINTMENT AVAILABILITY 
• NO NEW CLIENT AVAILABILITY
• LIMITED AVAILABILITY
• MEDICATION/FOOD ORDER PROCESS
• TELEMEDICINE
• SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC (DOG)
• SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC (CAT)
• SHORTAGE OF APP AVAILABILTY - SHORT VERSION
• NURSE/TECHNICIAN APPOINTMENT
• VACCINATION "BOOSTER" WITH A TECHNICIAN
• CAT/DOG VACCINATION SHORTAGE - 1
• CAT/DOG VACCINATION SHORTAGE - 2
• BOARDING 

COVID CURBSIDE

COVID-19 Important message to Clients

In order to keep our clients and staff safe, we have made a few updates to our procedures:

- We use a drop-off protocol for appointments.
- Clients will not be allowed to enter the clinic.
- Upon your arrival at the clinic, remain in your vehicle and call us on [Contact no] to check-in.
- We will meet you outside and individually bring your pet(s) in for evaluation and care.
- You will be required to sign the consent form for pet examination and care.
- The Vet will communicate the treatment plan by phone after the examination is completed.
- Our front desk staff will work to complete all business transactions at the time services are completed.

We value your understanding and appreciate your patience, If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [Contact No].

COVID SAFETY

COVID-19 Important message to Clients

In order to keep our clients and staff safe, we have made a few updates to our procedures and require that you respect basic safety rules:
- We only accept one person per appointment.
- Our waiting room will hold a maximum of 2 people at any moment in time. Please stay outside if necessary.
- Please wear a mask.
- Use the hand sanitiser provided at reception.
- Maintain a 1.5m distance with other people.

We value your understanding and appreciate your patience, If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [Contact No].

SHORTAGE OF APPOINTMENT AVAILABILITY 

Important message about the shortage of appointment availability

COVID is creating a ‘perfect storm’ for most veterinary clinics.

Huge increase in pet ownership:

- During COVID lockdown, households bought 3.2 million pets, this is 640 additional pets per practice in the U.K.
- The result is that, since the end of 2019, the UK’s dog and cat population has risen by almost 50%.
- Increase in human interaction - pet owners are likely to notice more (whch is good) e.g stress induced issues for pets which require treatment
- Covid restrictions/illness has caused delays in treatment for pets therefore we are also catching up with exisiting clients.


Staff shortages:

- There has been a significant decline in Vets from the EU registering to work in the UK. Historically about 50% of new registrants originated from ourside the UK.
- Veterinary staff becoming ill from COVID-19 or being forced to self-isolate has exacerbated the situation. Please note Veterinary professionals are not recognised as Keyworkers.
- Brexit has also compounded our workload, with small animal and farm animal vets needing to be available to sign off exports not only of animals, but any products of animal origin, this includes crisp flavourings and weight loss products.
- Veterinary Professionals are leaving the industry due to mental health issues such as Burnout.
- Due to Curbside, social distancing and safety measure, appointments are taking longer.

The outcome:

- The situation has left many veterinary practices at breaking point and has resulted in some pet owners experiencing long waiting times for non-urgent treatment.
- You may find that we can not accept New Clients at this time due to demand of our services.
- This situation is affecting us as well and creates long waiting times for non-urgent appointements.
- We realise how incredibly difficult it is for owners who cannot get their pets seen as early as they'd like. We’re truly sorry for this and we are asking for your patience and understanding.

The availability reflected in this online booking tool is correct. Please call us only to get an earlier appointment if you feel your pet needs to be seen urgently. 

NO NEW CLIENT AVAILABILITY

No New Client Availabiltiy

Dear Prospective New Client,

We are honoured that you would like to register your pet at (INSERT CLINIC NAME). Unfortunately, we have had to make the difficult decision not to register any new clients at the moment. Please feel free to call the Practice in a few months to see if we have been able to lift this.


Kind regards,
(CLINIC NAME) 

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Attention New Clients:
In order to provide the best advice and care for your fur babies, we kindly ask that you call us at XXX to schedule your appointment.

Which Types of Appointments Can Be Booked Online?
At the moment, we are only able to accept appointments for existing clients only. XXX, XXX, XXX & XXX appointments are currently available for online booking. Please call us at XXX to schedule any of the following:
• XXX
• XXX
• XXX

Thank you for understanding,
XXX 

MEDICATION/FOOD ORDER PROCESS

Medication/Food Order Process

Our hospital is open as normal to drop in and collect food, parasite treatments and supplements. Please pre order where possible through our website.

Please ensure you are wearing a facemask before entering the clinics.

On the next few screens, we will capture your order.


The steps will be as follows:

- Select a date/time to place your order (please note this is a collection time)
- Enter your details, and your pets name
- Enter the medication/food you require when prompted.
- Pay on collection

Please Note:

- Please allow 48 working hours for your orders to be completed.
- If there is an issue with your order, we will contact you.
- We can not accept orders if you are a New Client and have not seen us before. Please call the clinic directly.


Click Next to continue...

TELEMEDICINE

Telemedicine Information

To attend your Telemedicine appointment, please follow the link in your confirmation email.

We advise the following:

- A working camera and microphone to allow us to assess your pet and communicate with you.
- A good internet connection
- Our vets will be able to give general advice, help monitor and update treatment for pets already under our care. We may be able to provide veterinary attention to new cases where no other more suitable arrangements can reasonably be made.

Please note:

Vets work under professional guidance from the RCVS and the Medicines Act; this restricts what can be carried out remotely to diagnose and treat your pet when they are unwell.

Currently, in the circumstances of the coronavirus outbreak, the RCVS has introduced temporary permission to remotely prescribe medicines where it is appropriate and no reasonable alternative is available, such as when an owner must remain isolated at home or treating a pet in practice is not practical.

Under these circumstances, a video consultation might be appropriate. In the first instance, please call the practice and we will discuss the best way to manage your request. 

SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC (DOG)

Please carefully read the following Dog Neutering information:

- Appointment Time: Please note that drop off for all pets is between 8am – 9am. Pickup is at 3pm. Dogs can be in a pet carrier or on a leash.
- Age Restrictions: Pets must be younger than 5 years of age to book an online surgical appointment.
- Pre-Existing Health Conditions: Your pet cannot have any pre-existing health conditions (breathing issues, neurological issues, clotting disorders, a heart murmur, history of seizures, etc.) Please call if you need further assistance.
- Food/ Water: Please, do not provide food or water to your pet after 10 pm on the night before surgery. Feeding your pet before surgery can cause life-threatening complications.
- Breed Restrictions: Due to special diagnostic and anesthetic needs, we do not perform surgery or dental cleanings on English Bulldogs or Olde English Bulldogs.
- Weight Restrictions: Your pet must weigh between 2 – 79lbs. Pets that do not meet these requirements will be referred to local, full service veterinary clinics..
- Payment: Payment is due when you drop your pet off for surgery, but there may be additional charges at pick up if your pet has an undescended testicle, or if your pet is in-heat, pregnant, etc. Please note, female dogs that are actively bleeding from a heat cycle will be declined and rescheduled. 

SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC (CAT)

Please carefully read the following Cat Neutering information:

- Appointment Time: Please note that drop off for all pets is between 8am – 9am. Pickup is at 3pm. Cats must be in individual hard sided carriers or in a humane live trap.
- Age Restrictions: Pets must be younger than 5 years of age to book an online surgical procedure.
- Pre-Existing Health Conditions: Your pet cannot have any pre-existing health conditions (breathing issues, neurological issues, clotting disorders, a heart murmur, history of seizures, etc.) Please call us if you require further assistance.
- Booking for Multiple Pets: While booking appointments for multiple pets, this system will only find appointment slots that are all available on the same day at the same location.
- Food/ Water: Please, do not provide food or water to your pet after 10 pm on the night before surgery. Feeding your pet before surgery can cause life-threatening complications.
- Weight Restrictions: Your pet must weigh at least 2lbs.
- Payment: Payment is due when you drop your pet off for surgery, but there may be additional charges at pick up if your pet is in-heat, pregnant, or if your pet has an undescended testicle. 

SHORTAGE OF APP AVAILABILTY - SHORT VERSION

Important message about the shortage of appointment availability

COVID is creating a ‘perfect storm’ for most veterinary clinics for the following reasons:

- Huge increase in pet ownership
- Staff shortages
- Covid-19

The outcome:

- The situation has left many veterinary practices at breaking point and has resulted in some pet owners experiencing long waiting times for non-urgent treatment.
- You may find that we can not accept New Clients at this time due to demand of our services.
- This situation is affecting us as well and creates long waiting times for non-urgent appointements.
- We realise how incredibly difficult it is for owners who cannot get their pets seen as early as they'd like. We’re truly sorry for this and we are asking for your patience and understanding.

The availability reflected in this online booking tool is correct. Please call us only to get an earlier appointment if you feel your pet needs to be seen urgently. 

NURSE/TECHNICIAN APPOINTMENT

Nurse Appointment

You have selected an appointment with one of our our Nurses
This appointment will not include an examination with one of our Veterinarians. If you feel your pet may need an examination or you have medical questions or concerns, please go back one step and select the "Consultation" appointment type.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you and your pet soon! 

VACCINATION "BOOSTER" WITH A TECHNICIAN

Important message to Clients

You selected the option to see a Technician for youe pet's vaccination 'booster'.

It is important to note that this appointment can only happen if you comply with the following:
- Your pet has been seen by one of our Doctors in the past 6 months
- The vaccination does NOT include Rabies
- Your pet is healthy
- You do not have any medical questions

If any of the above is incorrect, please go back one step and select the option "Wellness / Vaccination with a Doctor".

If you are unsure, please call us on XXX-XXX-XXX 

CAT/DOG VACCINATION SHORTAGE - 1

Important message about the shortage of appointment availability


COVID is creating a ‘perfect storm’ for most veterinary clinics for the following reasons:

Huge increase in pet ownership
Staff shortages
Covid-19
Europe-wide shortage of cat/dog vaccinations

The outcome:

Pet owners experiencing long waiting times for non-urgent treatment.
Limited time slots for New Clients due to demand of our services.
We need to prioritise kitten/puppies vaccinations to ensure they are protected. If your cat/dog is due an Annual/Booster vaccination, please call the surgery to discuss.

We realise how incredibly difficult it is for owners who cannot get their pets seen as early as they'd like. We’re truly sorry for this and we are asking for your patience and understanding.

The availability on the booking tool is correct. If you feel your pet needs urgent treatment, please call us. 

CAT/DOG VACCINATION SHORTAGE - 2

Dear Pet Owner,

Please note:

If your cat requires an Annual/Booster Vaccination, we are experiencing an Europe-wide shortage and do not have the supplies to accommodate this request at present. Please call us directly to discuss further.

Thank you for your understanding.  

(Name of the Clinic)

BOARDING 

Boarding Information

Before you book your boarding appointment, please take note of the following:

"- Please have proof of current vaccinations upon arrival.
- Age Requirements: Puppies must be 12 weeks of age or older and must have had at least Rabies, DAPP (2 rounds) and Bordetella."
- Required Vaccinations (administered by a veterinarian required): DOGS: Rabies, DAPP, Bordetella, Canine Influenza CATS: Rabies, FVRCP
- For the benefit of your pet, we recommend that you bring your own food in pre-measured and pre-marked zip lock baggies to maintain your pet's normal diet. This also helps prevent upset stomachs.
- To ensure a flea and tick free environment, we ask that you do not bring any bedding, fabrics or plush toys. We provide all guests with premium bedding and blanket at no additional charge.
- Employees are thoroughly trained to administer medications.

On the Next Few Screens, you will be asked for your

Arrival date.
Contact details, Pet details and Boarding information.

Payment will be taken upon arrival.

We will contact you if there are any issues with your booking. Thank you

Click Next to continue . . . 

You are free to modify and customize these templates.  If you need help setting up Disclaimers, please feel free to contact us on support@vetstoria.com. Or visit this Article: How do I set up a disclaimer on my booking tool?