Updated April 2, 2020:
We’ve brought you the good news that your pet cannot transmit COVID-19 or become sick with it. And you’re likely getting more snuggles in these days. So we hope you’re hanging in there!
Our team pulled together their go-to “tips and tricks” to help you get through April:
1) Just because you’re stuck inside, doesn’t mean you don’t need to you look your best! When things get stressful or you need a break, you and your dog might benefit from the repetition that comes from grooming your pet. (Kelly’s tip)
2) Bathe your pet — this is another go-to task that helps you feel like you “got something done.” Or call us and we’ll take care of it for you. We can meet you in the parking lot and bring your pet inside. (CJ and Georgie’s tip)
3) Your pets need some mental stimulation just as much as you do right now! Puzzling times call for human puzzles and pet puzzles! Support Austin’s local pet store, Tomlinson’s, or your favorite pet source. (Adan’s tip)
4) Build nose games for your pet by creating some delicious sniffs to pass the time. (Georgie and Haley’s tip)
5) Build a cat castle from all those delivery boxes cluttering your house. All you need is tape and scissors! (Georgie’s tip!)
Updated as of 5pm Central Time on April 6th, 2020:
Are you open?
Yes! We are open and here for you and your pets.
What if I’m sick or feel uncomfortable coming in?
-No problem! If your pet needs services and you are sick, please call us and we’ll walk you through your options.
-We can meet you in the parking lot, bring your pets into the hospital for an exam, and call you with follow-ups as usual.
-We can set up an in-depth phone consult, or even do a video call with you.
-Let’s chat on the phone to kickstart the appropriate course of action.
-Clients who need to pick up prescriptions, food, or drop off samples, we can take payment over the phone and meet you in the parking lot with meds/food or to get samples and take payment over the phone.
Can my pet get COVID-19?
-Everything we’re learning from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and other organizations tell us there is no evidence that cats, dogs, or other pets can get or carry the COVID-19 despite press reports claiming pets have become sick from their owners.
-So you can continue to enjoy your pet as you normally would. Remember, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands for 20 seconds under warm water after you play with your pet.
-If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, the CDC recommends you find someone to care for your pets until you are feeling better. Doing this helps ensure that your pet gets the care it needs while you are sick.
What is Firehouse doing internally to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
-We are continuing with our best hygiene and cleanliness practices.
-We have no sick team members and are encouraging anyone who feels sick to stay at home.
As always, if your pet’s behavior changes or if it is having any symptoms, please call us to speak with a doctor. We’re here for you 24/7.
Originally Posted March 9th, 2020:
Everything we’re learning from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and other organizations tell us there is no evidence that cats, dogs, or other pets can get or carry the coronavirus.
So you can continue to enjoy your pet as you normally would. Remember, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands for 20 seconds under warm water after you play with your pet.
If you’re sick and want to interact with your pet, please do! Interaction with pets can be a huge comfort when sick. However, if you are diagnosed with COVID-19, medical professionals are likely to recommend home quarantine or hospitalization. If you are in home quarantine or voluntary isolation, find someone to care for your pets or have your pets stay with you and isolate your entire household by eliminating or severely restricting outside contact. In other words, for home quarantine or voluntary isolation, your pets should either be “in” or “out.”
As always, if your pet’s behavior changes or if it is having any symptoms, please call us to speak with a doctor. We’re here for you 24/7.