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Vets are taking extra measures amid the coronavirus crisis to ensure poorly pets can be treated even if their owners are in self isolation.
Burnham House Veterinary Surgery which has practices in Dover, Whitfield, Walmer near Deal, and Folkestone is thinking outside of the box, introducing two new services.
The first is a 'collection and delivery pet service' which means people who are stuck at home with suspected Covid-19 can remain so, while an employee collects their pet from the door step, with minimal contact.
Practice principle Jeremy Stattersfield said: "This will enable us to treat a pet whilst the owner has a telephone consultation with one of our qualified vets."
A second new service is called a 'caution clinic' which is aimed at helping the most vulnerable in society, such as elderly people.
Jeremy Stattersfield said: "If somebody considers themselves to be vulnerable and wishes not to come into close contact with other people, we are offering a caution clinic' with isolation appointments at our Whitfield branch Tuesday and Thursday from 2-3pm.
"During this period, only one client may enter the surgery at any one time whilst we keep staffing to a minimum.
"This service is only available for vulnerable clients who are not showing any symptoms."
The new services are running in addition to its fully functioning surgeries and out-of-hours emergency cover.
Animal House vets in London Road, Deal, is also making changes to suit the needs of pet owners.
The practice remains open from 8.30am until 7pm daily but is operating on a one in, one out, basis to avoid large number gathering in its waiting room. People can also choose to wait in the garden area.
Practice manager Aimee Reppin said: "Animals still need us at this time. We're also offering video and telephone consultations, and we can arrange food and medicine to be delivered if people are not able to leave their homes."
Lakeview Veterinary Surgery in Union Road, Deal, is also offering telephone consultations and home visits.
Animal nursing assistant Michelle Chitty said: "We're business as usual but asking only one person at a time to go into the consultant's room.
"We're taking extra precautions; cleaning our door handles every hour and encouraging people to pay by card rather than handling cash."
