Covid-19

Let's be responsible together

The well-being and health of your pet, as well as your own, is our top priority. Given the current context, our clinics across Québec have put in place measures to ensure your safety. Here are some important details to look over before your next appointment in one of our clinics.

If your pet is experiencing an emergency, our clinics will do everything they can to provide them with the care that they need. The staff will let you know of the measures put in place before the appointment.

You are returning from a trip?

If you have travelled outside Canada in the last 14 days, you must notify the staff before your appointment.

You have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19

If before or after your appointment, you have, experienced any symptoms (fever, cough, breathing difficulties), tested positive or been in contact with someone who has tested positive, please notify the clinic as soon as possible.

Public health measures in veterinary clinics

1. Wear a mask

Please wear your mask at all times, even if you are vaccinated.

2. Wash your hands

Disinfecting our hands is now a part of our daily routine. Please be sure to use the hand sanitizer when you arrive and when you leave the facility. We know that your hands must be irritated from washing them so often, but doing so is for you and the staff’s safety.

3. Adhere to physical distancing

You must adhere to physical distancing inside the facilities. The government is currently enforcing a physical distance of one metre.

4. Avoid all contact

So long as the pandemic continues, it is important to avoid physical contact with the staff and refrain from petting other animals in the waiting room.

Patience and respect

The pandemic has brought on many challenges in the veterinary field, including a significant increase in demand. Rest assured that our experts are doing everything they can to provide you with the best service possible.

Why are we busier than usual?

  • Since the beginning of the pandemic, many Québécois have adopted pets, which has increased the demand in veterinary facilities.
  • Sanitary restrictions and measures slow down the workflow in our facilities: client limits, clients not allowed during exams, staff shortages, triage of cases according to priority, etc.
  • Supply issues at distribution centres for veterinary materials because of the increased demand.

How can you positively contribute to the situation?

  • Be patient with our staff—they are devoted to your needs and those of your pet.
  • Respect the sanitary guidelines and measures established by the government to ensure public health safety.
  • Be understanding. Our experts are doing everything they can to treat as many patients as possible.

Lockdown lifting and return to in-person work

Your pet has enjoyed having you home more often than usual during the pandemic. Now that lockdown measures are lifting, some pets might go through a period of stress and anxiety as they see their trusted companion going back to work in person.
It is important to prepare a plan a few weeks before returning to work and changing your routine. This will give your pet the chance to gradually adapt to your absence and a new schedule.
See our article for more tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Cats, ferrets and some species of hamsters and rabbits are very susceptible to COVID-19. No need to panic, however, if your cat, ferret, hamster or rabbit contracts the virus, since its impact is usually minor. As far as we know, rabbits do not seem to display any clinical symptoms.

Generally, dogs are not susceptible to COVID-19, but it is not impossible for them to contract it. Note that if you have COVID-19, you can infect your pet.

In rare cases, your pet can display a wide range of clinical symptoms. Generally, however, your animal may not show any symptoms of the virus or only benign respiratory symptoms accompanied by, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The best way to tell if it’s COVID-19 is by taking an appointment in one of our facilities near you. A professional will be able to confirm the diagnosis and give you instructions.

So far, there is no evidence indicating that animals can directly spread COVID-19 to humans. If your
pet has COVID-19, we recommend that you follow these precautions for 14 days:

  1. If a family member is at a high risk for severe illness, make sure that they avoid caring for or being in contact with your pet.
  2. To protect your family and your other pets and to minimize contact, keep your pet isolated in a room during the quarantine period.
  3. Even if you love cuddling your pet, you need to avoid all physical displays of affection:
    • Do not lick your pet.
    • Do not hug and kiss them (we know that this is hard, especially when they do their puppy dog eyes).
    • Do not share food with them (even the vegetables your children are trying to sneak away from their plates).
    • Do not let them sit in your lap.
    • Do not hold them in your arms (the bright side is that this will give your muscles a break).
    • Do not let them sleep on your bed (do not worry, your furry friend will be back to warm up your feet in no time).
  4. Regularly wash your hands, especially after touching your pet’s food, their water bowl and their toys (this goes without saying—you are probably a hand-washing expert by now, given the pandemic).
  5. Avoid coughing and sneezing on your pet (that is probably something you should not be doing to them anyways).
  6. Clean and disinfect all surfaces and toys that come into contact with your pet.
  7. Limit your pet’s exposure to people and other animals outside of the home:
    • Your cat will have to momentarily cease their outdoor nighttime adventures and stay inside the house during their recovery.
    • The dog park will no longer be a safe haven, so long as your loyal companion is sick. Your dog should also avoid making new friends—both furry and human—on their walks.
There are currently no vaccines against COVID-19 that can be administered to pets in Canada.