Our Hospital Policies

Van Stavern Small Animal Hospital always has sanitation efforts in place, but in light of the pandemic we have added the following practices to our routine:

  • Appointments may be either in-person or carside according to your preference. If you would prefer to have an in-person appointment, on arrival you may come into the building without calling. For carside service, please call the office from your car when you arrive.

  • Masks are optional for clients at this time. Staff members will wear masks at their discretion and client request.

  • We recommend utilizing our online check-in form to make your check-in process more efficient and reduce face-to-face exposure levels.

  • Staff members who fall ill are encouraged to stay home and rest, even if there is no known contact with infected persons. Staff members with COVID-like symptoms will be required to quarantine as directed by current CDC guidelines and/or receive a negative COVID-19 test prior to returning to work.

Pets and Coronavirus

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has said that at this time domestic animals do not appear to play a significant role in the spread of COVID-19 to humans, but in some cases they can catch the illness from their owners. However, this is uncommon and typically involves close contact. While it is true that there is a well known type of coronavirus seen in dogs, called CCoV, this virus is not the same as SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. Canine coronavirus is species-specific; it poses no threat to humans. CCoV causes intestinal infection, particularly in puppies, and it does not cause respiratory problems.

From the CDC:

The virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals during close contact. Pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. The risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to people is low.

Infected pets might get sick or they might not have any symptoms. Of the pets that have gotten sick, most only had mild illness and fully recovered. Serious illness in pets is extremely rare. Pets that do have symptoms usually have mild illness that you can take care of at home.

If you have pets, treat them as you would other human family members to protect them from a possible COVID-19 infection.

- Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household.
- Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.
- Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people and animals.
- Avoid dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather.
- Do not put a mask on pets. Masks could harm your pet.

There is no evidence that the virus can spread to people from the skin, fur, or hair of pets. Do not wipe or bathe your pet with chemical disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other products, such as hand sanitizer, counter-cleaning wipes, or other industrial or surface cleaners. Talk to your veterinarian​ if you have questions about appropriate products for bathing or cleaning your pet​​.

Pets infected with this virus may or may not get sick. Pets that do have symptoms usually have mild illness that can be taken care of at home. If you think your pet is sick with the virus or if you have concerns about your pet’s health, talk to your veterinarian. Most pets that have gotten sick from the virus that causes COVID-19 were infected after close contact with a person with COVID-19.

If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test), you should restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would with people.

- When possible, have another member of your household care for your pets while you are sick.
- Avoid contact with your pet including, petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding.
- If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

If you are sick with COVID-19 and your pet becomes sick, do not take your pet to the veterinary clinic yourself. Call your veterinarian and let them know you have been sick with COVID-19.

The CDC also recommends designating an emergency caregiver for your pets in case you are unable to care for them. It is a good idea to have your pet's care information printed and readily available in case someone needs to take over for you. Click HERE for a form you can fill out or use as a template.

You can read more about COVID-19 recommendations and common questions at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) by clicking HERE, or from the CDC HERE.
If you have questions or concerns regarding your less furry family members, please contact your physician.

Please contact the office at (979) 693-8870 if you have any questions or concerns.

Page Updated: 03 May 2023