Pet owners seeking veterinary care can now access telehealth consultations for a range of non-urgent concerns.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It's part of a transformation of services at clinics across the region in response to the COVID-19 delta variant outbreak in the Hunter.
Williams River Veterinary Clinic at Clarence Town, and Morpeth Veterinary Clinic are taking precautions to keep their staff and clients safe, knowing that a positive case at either clinic has the potential to shut down the entire operation.
Routine dental cleans, some grooming and desexing are being delayed if it is not essential.
In-clinic appointments are still taking place and owners can travel outside their LGA to attend if needed, but they must wait outside while the vet assesses their pet. Their findings are discussed over the phone.
"It has been difficult for both us and the client, with the restrictions we aren't able to let clients into the clinic. Everyone is already stressed with the COVID-19 situation as it is and if they've got a sick pet on top of that we have to take them and they aren't able to be present for the consultation," practice manager Alex Merrick said.
"Everyone is trying to adjust the best that they can, and we are trying to see as many people as we can, but at the same time we have to do the right thing for the community and meet the requirements of the government as well."
The changes have seen a rise in the demand for vet nurses, who now also have to play the role of the owner and hold the animal for the vet during the consultation.
When it comes to large animals the owner must stay at least 1.5 metres away and leave the vet and vet nurse to assess the animal, or even deliver a newborn.