Dr Anne Fawcett: Please be patient with veterinarians

Longer wait times and restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has led to incidences of abuse against staff at vet clinics and hospitals.

The delays at vet clinics are causing some pet owners to abuse staff members.

• Non-contact visits to the vet
• Self-isolating when you have pets

Life is tough for everyone right now. Many people have lost their jobs, some have been given additional work such as homeschooling children, and everyone is trying to process changing information about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Perhaps, then, it is not surprising that a number of colleagues have contacted me this week, expressing their concern that they have been abused by pet owners who are upset that they cannot be seen immediately.

I must stress that abuse is rare, but when it occurs it does impact all members of the veterinary team, including receptionists, nurses, veterinarians and practice managers.

Veterinary clinics and hospitals have had to adopt new protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are very lucky that we have been declared an essential service. But we have to take steps to minimise risks to clients and staff. Like all workplaces, veterinary hospitals have had to adopt new protocols.

Please be patient with us — there may be slightly longer wait times, appointments may take a little longer, and social distancing requirements may mean there are occasionally fewer staff on site than you (and we) are used to. Routine procedures may be postponed. Opening hours of some clinics may vary. Emergencies will always be prioritised.

Please call ahead before coming in so we can ensure that social distancing can be maintained. Please let us know if you have a recent history of travel, if you are in quarantine or if you are unwell.

Dr Anne Fawcett is a veterinarian in inner Sydney.

If your pet has a regular prescription or requires a prescription diet, please understand that there are some delays in ordering stock and food so order ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

It’s really tough when it feels like there is so much going on, and your companion animal falls ill on top of that. We get it. If you are anxious about an aspect of your pet’s care or just worried, please let us know.

And please remember that veterinary team members are just like you — we are also caring for our families and our animals at this difficult time. Nonetheless, we are here to look after animals and the people who rely on them. And we will get through this together.

Dr Anne Fawcett is a lecturer in veterinary science at the University of Sydney and a veterinarian in inner Sydney. Read her blog at smallanimaltalk.com

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