COVID-19 Updates

Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group continues to closely monitor developments regarding COVID-19, and implement recommended measures to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and maintain a safe environment for our patients, clients, and team members.

Stay Informed About COVID

The CDC has provided a resource for pet owners to consult regarding all things COVID-19. Click below to get up-to-date information and contact us if you have any questions!

Learn More

Our Current Safety and Hygiene Protocols

Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group is committed to making its hospitals safe and welcoming for all. Below are our current protocols regarding masking and hospital hygiene.

Air Filtration

With the ability to reduce 99% of all microbes in a sneeze before they can travel 3 feet, our Advanced Air Filtration system should give you peace of mind when you visit. To see how it works, watch the provided video!

Masking

Masks are optional for both clients and staff at Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group. You are more than welcome to wear a mask in our facility if you feel more comfortable.

Hospital-Wide Hygiene Briefings

Our hospitals are all AAHA accredited, which means we follow the best practices for maintaining a safe, healthy facility. To further reduce COVID-19 risks, all our hospital staff are given updated briefings on operational safety recommendations from the CDC. We also instruct our team members to stay home and seek appropriate care if they are sick.

Research-Backed Cleaning Solutions and Practices

Disinfectants are all formulated differently to target specific bacteria and pathogens. The Medical Directors at Heart of Chelsea have done extensive research into all possible cleaning solutions to ensure that we are using the safest products and formulas that will most effectively target and kill the coronavirus. All surface areas, including veterinary and administrative devices, are disinfected at regular intervals throughout the day. Please be patient with our team as we are thoroughly cleaning our exam rooms and all the items needed to treat your pets between each patient visit. We are allowing for an extended contact time of our disinfectants on each surface to ensure labeled efficacy is achieved.

Can Pets get COVID-19?

It is not clear how exactly pets can be affected by COVID-19, and currently, there is no evidence showing they can get sick the way humans do. The CDC, OIE, and WHO indicate there is no evidence suggesting dogs and cats can be a source of infection with SARS-CoV-2, or spreading COVID-19 to humans.

As we learn more, we will be sure to provide updates to keep you informed. We do recommend washing your hands after interacting with animals just to be safe.

How to Ensure Your Pet is Cared for if You Contract COVID-19

This advisory notice is based on text provided by the Office of the Mayor of New York City:

Take time now to make plans and prepare your pets in case you need help caring for them due to COVID-19.

If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed), the CDC recommends that you restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people.

When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. Avoid contact with your pet including, petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. Wash pet bedding, leashes, collars, dishes and toys the same way you would clean other surfaces in your home. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

Ensure Proper Identification:

Veterinary Care:

Prepare for a Human Health Emergency:

Designate a trusted pet caregiver (family, friend, neighbor, or colleague). Your identified caregiver should have a set of your house keys, be familiar with your home and pet, know your emergency plan, and have your contact information.
Record important information about your pet so that you can easily access it during an emergency.
Put together a Go Bag for each pet with basic food, supplies, medicine, identification, a list of emergency contacts, your veterinarian’s contact information, and vaccination proof.
Keep a collar/harness, leash, and your animal’s Go Bag in a place where it can be easily found.
Have crates, food and extra litter and other supplies on hand for quick movement of pets.
If you have neighbors who are self-quarantined or otherwise in need of help, offer to walk their dog or take pets for routine visits.
Talk with your local veterinarian, kennel, grooming facility, or other potential boarding facilities to see if they can offer safe shelter for your pet during a health emergency.
Update animal vaccines (Rabies, Bordetella) in the event boarding becomes necessary.
If your pet is on medication, ask your veterinarian for an extra supply.
Ensure all medications are documented with dosages and administering instructions.
If you do not have a yard, be sure to have extra cleaning products and newspaper/puppy pads on hand if you cannot leave your home to walk your dog.

We Will Continue to Keep You Updated

At Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group, we will continue to do our best to be available to you with the most up to date information regarding COVID-19. We wish you and your family safety and good health as we navigate the coronavirus issue and work hard to reduce the spread of infection.

Contact one of our four locations for more information!