To Our LazyPaw Community,
The health and safety of our clients, staff members, their families and our community are our top priority. We are diligently monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and closely watching official information from health authorities as it relates to our community.
Hospital Closure Concerns: Unless dictated by the local health authorities and as long as our personnel remain healthy, our hospital will remain open. The ramifications of closure of any medical care provider may seem daunting, but we will not risk the health and safety of our clients, staff members, their families and our community.
Medications: Many of you may be unaware that while we will remain open for business, we recognize many of our clients would appreciate the added convenience of refilling medications from home. We do ship many types prescriptions, as long as they are stable at current ambient temperatures, directly to your home or office. If you would like to stock up on your pet’s medications, we can accommodate up to a 90-day supply of most medications and up to a year’s worth of protection from heartworm, fleas and ticks. Just call the clinic or order online. You only want the best for your family members and loved ones. So do we.
Diligence in practicing preventative measures, including excellent personal hygiene, is the best way to prevent the spread of communicable disease and illnesses. Our staff members are monitoring themselves and family members for whom they provide care for signs and symptoms of illness and will stay home as necessary to prevent spreading illnesses to others. We are asking you, our clients, to refrain from visiting our hospital in the event you or a close contact becomes ill. Additionally, if there is an ill member of the family or someone with whom you have close contact, PLEASE STAY HOME until cleared by your medical care provider to prevent the spread of illness.
ALL clients and staff members are requested to stay home and be fever free for 24 hours without medication and not experiencing vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours prior to coming to the clinic.
As per local Texas Health Department, Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations we ask that you self-monitor and alert us if appointment rescheduling is indicated to ensure we do not perpetuate the spread of infection. We currently have a thorough process for the disinfection and cleaning of our entire facility including animal and human common areas; however, we will adjust procedures should new challenges arise and as directed by health authorities.
Practice Self-Care: Follow the CDC’s recommendations which include but are not limited to the following:
- Avoid close contact with sick people, and stay home when you are sick.
- Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, scrubbing all surfaces, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, apply a hand sanitizer which contains at least 60% alcohol to visibly clean hands, covering all surfaces and rubbing them together until they feel dry. DO NOT wipe them dry.
- DO NOT touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces per CDC guidelines.
- Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask: “If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply, and they should be saved for caregivers.”
Travel: While the situation remains dynamic, 11 March 2020 the CDC has placed certain countries on Level 2 Alert or Level 3 Warning travel designations, i.e., avoid non-essential travel. In addition, the CDC has advised, “travelers [returning to the United States from listed countried] should stay home for 14 days after returning to the United States and practice social distancing.” This self-quarantine will apply to all LazyPaw Animal Hospitals staff members, and we request that our clients refrain from visiting our hospital should these specific criteria apply.
It is your LazyPaw Animal Hospitals Veterinary Team’s sincere wish that you, your family, your friends and all in our community remain safe and healthy. Should you have any follow up questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office directly at 972-712-1300 or to email us at info@lazypawvet.com
Sincere regards,
Your LazyPaw Animal Hospitals Veterinary Team