Montgomery Animal Hospital is committed to keeping you, your pets, and our staff safe during this difficult and uncertain time. Our routine has changed but our dedication to your pets' health remains constant. 

Yes, we are open. Veterinary medicine is an essential service in Ohio so we never had to close our doors. Here's how we're keeping you safe:

• We have moved to curb-side service. To limit your exposure and that of our staff, please call us from your car when you arrive for your appointment or to pick up medication. A staff member will meet you on the sidewalk and bring your pet into the hospital. We will communicate by phone while your pet is in our care, take payment via credit card over the phone, and bring your pet back outside to you. 
• We are following the guidelines established by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and Ohio Department of Health for enhanced cleaning of the hospital. The benefit of being an animal hospital is that we are well stocked on disinfectant. 
• Any staff members who are not feeling well or have a fever are required to stay home.
• If you have a fever or suspect coronavirus exposure, please let us know before you arrive. We would prefer that an alternate person bring us your pet, but if your pet has an urgent medical need the veterinarian will speak to you by phone and make arrangements for care.

Governor DeWine permitted elective surgical procedures to resume on May 1, so teeth cleanings can now be scheduled. Please call us if you have a question about your pet's scheduled appointment.

Our daily doctor phone times are unchanged so you still have direct access to your veterinarian.

After-hours and emergency pet care is still available 24/7 at MedVet and the Care Center.  

What about our pets?

Research is ongoing, but at this time there is no evidence that our pets can get seriously ill from this coronavirus. The virus that causes Covid-19 has infected some cats, ferrets, and a few dogs, but this is only happening rarely. The tigers and lions at the Bronx Zoo in New York displayed mild respiratory signs after their exposure from an asymptomatic person who had contact with them. Researchers have also shown that cats can spread the virus to other cats, but at this time there is no evidence that a cat can give the virus to a person. So there is no reason to isolate yourself from your cat or ferret during this pandemic.  

If your pet shows signs of a respiratory illness - like fever, cough, sneeze, or decreased appetite - please call. Once we rule out the more common causes of illness, if there is known exposure to a person with Covid-19 we can ask the State Veterinarian for permission to test your pet for Covid-19. The test is only available after the preliminary diagnostics have been performed and if the State Veterinarian deems it necessary.

If you are well, continue to interact with your pets just as you normally would, practicing good hygiene and handwashing. 

If you are ill with Covid-19, it is prudent to ask another person to take over care of your pet. This is mostly because your pet can act as a vector to carry the virus to another person. If you have a service animal or are the sole caretaker, avoid kissing or hugging your pet while you are ill. Wash your hands before and after feeding or interacting with your pet and wear a facemask to limit the spread of virus particles when you cough. 

More information can be found at these sites:

Covid-19 FAQs for pet owners from the AVMA

For human health:
The State of Ohio's coronavirus page

The Center for Disease Control Covid-19 page