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Pets in New Brunswick may no longer be required to take a trip to their least favourite destination.
Veterinary offices in New Brunswick have become equipped for telemedicine appointments to help flatten the curve of COVID-19.
“(We want to) try to limit the exposure, keep folks in their home as much as possible, but still get veterinary care for their pet,” said Nicole Jewett, deputy registrar with the New Brunswick Veterinary Medical Association.
In-office appointments are still available, but with ever-changing safety guidelines to protect from COVID-19, each appointments tends to take longer than usual.
Vet workers have begun curbside pick-up from cars, bringing pets back after the vet has an opportunity to examine them. After the examination, doctors have been calling pet owners to discuss treatment or options.
That means while veterinary offices have remained busy the past few months, they also have a lower capacity for patient volume.
Telemedicine should provide some relief, allowing doctors to go from one call to the next without the stress of employees needing to ferry pets in and out from the parking lot.
Of course, not all appointments should be performed remotely.
“There are certain medical conditions where pets really need to be seen for us to do physical exams,” Jewett said. “But certain conditions can be done by telemedicine safely and effectively.”
She says all vet offices in the province are now equipped for telemedicine using video conferencing software.
So far, clinics have reported a mixed reaction to the online visits, with some pet owners saying they prefer in-person appointments. But given the reality of the pandemic, it will be important for vets to offer a variety of options.
“I think it’s a bit of a waltz with COVID-19,” Jewett said. “Things are constantly changing and evolving, and we need to adapt as things change, all while following the recommendations of our Chief Medical Officer.”
