COVID-19 Community Update
Dear Friends of Main Street,
We wanted to reach out to the community to share an update from the hospital and how we are serving the community during this unprecedented time.
The COVID-19 threat is real and presents unique challenges. Do not fall victim to thinking this is just another flu. People we know and love may become sick or die from this virus. We need to be thoughtful in our interactions with others and follow the advice of the public health experts and epidemiologists who are making life saving recommendations.
With that said, our team wants to serve our community and remain open. We truly feel better if we are here doing something good in these uncertain times. We know that your pets don't stop getting sick because the humans shelter in place. They still need medical attention, medications, special diets, vaccines, and other services. To continue providing these services in the safest way to the community we have made the following changes:
#1 We have closed the hospital to the outside world.
Only our staff enter and leave the building until the Shelter in Place order is lifted. All client communication now happens over the phone rather than in person at any distance. When you arrive, you call us on your phone and let us know you have arrived.
Pets in carriers are placed near our back gate and left for one of our staff to bring into the building. Dogs can be placed on slip leads that we provide and attached to carabiners which are attached to the building in both parking lots and to the large tree on the grass in the south parking lot. The slip leads are used so your dog cannot break free of a collar that is too loose and run into the street. Once they are on the slip lead we will come out to retrieve them and bring them inside. Inside, they will be treated with the same love and respect as usual! Your doctor will call to discuss the case, your concerns, and what options are available.
Checking out is done over the phone and all medications, diets, and information sheets are left with your invoice on one of the benches near the front door.
Your pet will be brought back to the same spot for pickup as drop off.
#2 We are not accepting Cash or Check payments.
All payment must be done with some form of plastic. This is the safest way as cash and checks can spread disease.
#3 All consent forms are digital or verbal.
If your pet needs a consent form for anesthesia or euthanasia, we email it to you. After you read it we ask you to email your consent for our records. The doctor will also get your verbal consent and talk with you over the phone prior to any procedure or euthanasia. If you do not have access to email we can read you the form over the phone and get your verbal consent.
#4 We fill 90 days of medication and 1 month of prescription food at a time.
The hoarding has gotten out of control. It is making it hard for people to get what they need and is actually counter-productive to the shelter in place goals as it leads to many people going out for extra stops trying in vain to find essential items. Let's be kind and remember we all need toilet paper. We all need food. We all need to be mindful of others. We will fill 90 days at a time of medication and 1 month at a time of prescription diets. This keeps it fair for everyone.
#5 Staff sick leave.
If a staff member or anyone living in their house has ANY signs of illness such as lethargy, headaches, fever, cough, aches, sore throat, or just doesn't feel 100% we are asking them to either stay at home for 2 weeks or provide a negative test for COVID-19. If a staff member were to be diagnosed with COVID-19 they would not be allowed to return to work until they have 2 consecutive negative tests and are medically cleared to do so. We feel this is the only acceptable policy given the current pandemic and our role in serving the public.
#6 Commitment to cleanliness and hygiene.
Staff members wash their hands every time they come into the building from the outside or after handling a slip lead. Staff members are asked to clean all the high touch surfaces such as phones and keyboards and credit card terminals on a staggered schedule resulting in this process occurring every 2 hours.
We maintain the same level of commitment and cleanliness to the inside of the hospital for our patients. We are mindful to always clean all tables and instruments after we are done with a patient. We pride ourselves on having a clean, bright, and nice smelling hospital.
#7 If you are elderly or immune compromised please let us know.
We are making special arrangements for those that are truly high risk due to being on chemotherapy, their age, or an underlying medical condition. If you are in this group we will make special arrangements for your pets. Simply call and we will make special arrangements.
#8 If you have COVID-19 we will be referring your pet to the ER in Atascadero.
If you are sick with COVID-19 the only reason your pet should be seen is if your pet is having a true medical emergency. If your pet is having a true medical emergency, we will refer you to the ER as they can provide 24 hour care.
Thank you for taking the time to read this email and learn about the changes at the hospital. We are honored that you choose us to care for your pets! We hope that you stay safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
The Team at Main Street
Update on COVID-19 - April 2021
We are still offering curbside service only as of this time.
While most of our staff is now vaccinated, we have pregnant employees, employees with newborn children, and employees living with elderly or immune compromised-high risk family members.
We anticipate offering backyard exams and limited in person exams in late 2021 or early 2022 depending on the state of the pandemic.
We appreciate your trust and partnership with us in treating your pets. We love your pets and our community. We are here to serve. We are trying to do in the most responsible way we can considering the circumstances.
Thank you!
The Staff at Main Street
