COVID-19 Advisory

To Our Pet Owners:

As the COVID-19 virus epidemic arrives and accelerates in Central Ohio, we at Annehurst Veterinary Hospital and Big Walnut Animal Care Center have formulated an initial plan to allow us to continue to care for our clients and pets in an effective and safe manner. Our procedural changes are based on recommendations from the CDC, WHO, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the State of Ohio.

Beginning Friday, March 20th, We are Implementing These Procedures:

The Governor of Ohio has allowed veterinary clinics to remain open with certain restrictions. We must postpone any elective procedures indefinitely in order to conserve PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) like surgical gloves, masks & gowns. Elective procedures are things like spays, neuters, declawing, routine dental, etc. Other surgeries will be decided by your doctor and you if they need to be done. In addition, in order to minimize the volume of interactions, our staff and doctors have with the public, we are asking you to call the clinic when you arrive and wait in your car. An employee will take your animal's history & any requests you might have. We will then bring your pet(s) into the office while you wait in your car. The doctor will examine your animal, and then call you to discuss the findings of the physical exam and any further tests or procedures needed.

If you or a family member are feeling ill or have recently been around someone who has been ill, please call to reschedule any routine or well visit. We can easily reschedule you for 3 to 4 weeks later just to be safe.

If you are sick or have been around anyone who is ill, and have a sick pet that needs medical attention, please call the office so that we can make prior arrangements to accommodate you. We will have an employee meet you in the parking lot who will take your pet to the doctor for the pet's exam and any diagnostic procedures that are needed.

If you and your family are healthy and have not had any known exposure to any upper respiratory illness, please feel free to schedule any routine or sick appointments for your pet(s), as we will continue to accommodate any of their needs. Doggie Day Care has been suspended for the near future. Grooming appointments are still being taken by our groomers at this time.

Please remember that we can mail you any of your pet's prescriptions to your home. The exception is controlled substances, which are illegal to send through the U.S. mail. We are currently recommending that you have 3 months of your pet's medicines on hand at this time in case of further restrictions.

There have been a lot of questions regarding our pets and COVID-19. You can learn more about this here.

Thank you for your consideration in this difficult time, as we try to keep ALL of our beloved family members safe. We will be updating our guidelines as more information about the COVID-19 virus becomes available.

The Doctors & Staff of Annehurst Veterinary Hospital & Big Walnut Animal Care Center