With restrictions easing in our area, we have decided that it is time to begin reopening our doors. We are looking forward to interacting with all of you without a vehicle door separating us. The past year has been a long, trying time for our team so we will be implementing a phased opening plan in order to keep everyone safe and to also offer everyone peace of mind as we re-open. Stepping from one phase to the next will be dependent upon vaccine statistics and positivity rates for our area. As we begin this journey back to normalcy, we hope to continue moving forward, yet we also want to make everyone aware that if there is a sudden increase in positivity rates we may need to take a step back and reassess our plan.
Our parking signs will remain standing so that you can call upon arrival to let us know where you are parked. Feedback from clients over the past year has let taught us that some people prefer curbside service. If you wish to remain in your vehicle during your pet’s appointment, please be sure to let our staff know when you check-in and we can continue your appointment following our curbside protocol. Kennel drop-offs/pick-ups and grooming appointments will remain curbside. The pandemic taught us that operating curbside for boarding and grooming is less stressful for the pets and helps us avoid any negative interactions between dogs in the waiting area.
We will continue handling technician appointments, medication/food pick-ups, specimen drop-offs, etc. as curbside services in order to avoid any crowding in our waiting area. For appointments with one of our Veterinarians, pet owners will have the option of waiting in their vehicle or having one family member accompany the pet into the hospital. One of our staff members will meet you outside, get a brief history (including confirming the reason for the visit and any vaccines or lab work due), and then escort you and your pet directly to an exam room.
At this point in time, 93% of our hospital staff is fully vaccinated. You may notice some of us wearing masks and others unmasked. If you feel more comfortable with people wearing masks when they are near you outside, please do not hesitate to ask our staff to wear one. We want everyone to feel comfortable during their visit. Since our entire staff is not vaccinated, we kindly ask that you wear your mask when you come into the building.
Upon completion of the exam portion of your pet’s appointment, a staff member will then either bring you to the waiting area or assist you back to your car where we can take a payment over the phone or bring a credit card reader outside to conclude your visit.
Thanks to all of you for being so understanding and patient over the past year. We feel privileged to welcome you back into our hospital as we re-open. We have always valued your opinions. Any feedback regarding our re-opening process is welcomed. Please do not hesitate to let us know if there are any problems. Our goal is to provide the best care possible for our patients and their families.
Sincerely,
The Doctors and Staff of Hickory Veterinary Hospital, Hickory Kennels, and Hickory Pet Food and Supplies