Be Prepared
In the event of a crisis or disaster, we urge everyone to have a preparedness plan in place.
Get the word out! Remind friends, relatives and dog owning acquaintances that having a plan for pets is critical; individuals who become sick or require hospitalisation will need to have someone to take their animals. If you can, please endure the current situation from the safety of your own home.
Some steps to take include:
Download a preparedness form
Remote prescribing of veterinary drugs
In light of current guidance on reducing the transmission of coronavirus by limiting non-essential contact, vets are temporarily permitted to prescribe remotely where no other option is available.
Under normal circumstances the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons does not allow them to prescribe vet-meds without a physical examination of the animal(s) – but this restriction has been lifted ‘under the current exceptional circumstances’.
Keep your distance
A reminder to please be vigilant when out with your dogs, we cannot risk any dogs getting loose as you won't be able to receive help with search teams. Remember - the government said one exercise period per day for humans. If you have two or more humans in your home, use your exercise periods wisely i.e. if there are two people in the home your dog can be walked twice a day. If you are in a single home, use your exercise period for one good long walk.
If we do not abide by the rules and keep our distance of 2 metres then we risk our dogs being locked down. This will be devastating for human and dog mental health. So let’s act responsibly for our dogs well being if nothing else.
In the event of a crisis or disaster, we urge everyone to have a preparedness plan in place.
Get the word out! Remind friends, relatives and dog owning acquaintances that having a plan for pets is critical; individuals who become sick or require hospitalisation will need to have someone to take their animals. If you can, please endure the current situation from the safety of your own home.
Some steps to take include:
- Identify a family member or friend who can care for pets if someone in the household becomes too ill to care for them.
- Have crates, food and extra supplies on-hand for movement and relocation of pets if necessary.
- Keep all animal vaccines up to date and have copies of those records available in the event that boarding becomes necessary.
- Ensure that all medications are documented with dosages and administering directions. It’s a good idea to include the prescription from your vet with the medications and your pet’s to-go bag.
- Pets should have proper identification: a collar with ID tag and a microchip with current, up-to date contact information.
- Include into your will your wishes for your pets if you were to pass.
Download a preparedness form
Remote prescribing of veterinary drugs
In light of current guidance on reducing the transmission of coronavirus by limiting non-essential contact, vets are temporarily permitted to prescribe remotely where no other option is available.
Under normal circumstances the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons does not allow them to prescribe vet-meds without a physical examination of the animal(s) – but this restriction has been lifted ‘under the current exceptional circumstances’.
Keep your distance
A reminder to please be vigilant when out with your dogs, we cannot risk any dogs getting loose as you won't be able to receive help with search teams. Remember - the government said one exercise period per day for humans. If you have two or more humans in your home, use your exercise periods wisely i.e. if there are two people in the home your dog can be walked twice a day. If you are in a single home, use your exercise period for one good long walk.
If we do not abide by the rules and keep our distance of 2 metres then we risk our dogs being locked down. This will be devastating for human and dog mental health. So let’s act responsibly for our dogs well being if nothing else.
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What to do if your dog's food is running low
It is important to minimise any sudden changes to our pets’ diets. Especially if they have underlying health conditions or are on veterinary diets. If this is the case please ensure you seek veterinary advice before making any changes. |
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Exercising and self-isolation with a dog
Brain stimulation is just as important and may tire your furry friend out as much as physical exercise, here are some ideas that can keep your pet occupied whilst they are indoors. |
Can my pet get COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Organisation for Animal Health have issued advisories saying there is currently no evidence that companion animals can spread the COVID-19 virus.
The WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) Global Veterinary Community—an association representing more than 200,000 vets — also states that there is no evidence that companion animals can be infected. The association does, however, caution that this is a rapidly evolving situation and updates will be provided as they are received. People confirmed to have COVID-19 should avoid contact with other people as well as pets.
Dr. Gail Hansen, DVM, MPH of our affiliate the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, said, “At this time we do not have evidence that pets can get or spread COVID-19, although it is always good for people to practice careful hand-washing after handling their pet and after picking up and disposing pet waste. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick, so you and your pet can get the best care.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Organisation for Animal Health have issued advisories saying there is currently no evidence that companion animals can spread the COVID-19 virus.
The WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) Global Veterinary Community—an association representing more than 200,000 vets — also states that there is no evidence that companion animals can be infected. The association does, however, caution that this is a rapidly evolving situation and updates will be provided as they are received. People confirmed to have COVID-19 should avoid contact with other people as well as pets.
Dr. Gail Hansen, DVM, MPH of our affiliate the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, said, “At this time we do not have evidence that pets can get or spread COVID-19, although it is always good for people to practice careful hand-washing after handling their pet and after picking up and disposing pet waste. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick, so you and your pet can get the best care.”
