In a continued effort to better protect our patients, staff, and fellow pet parents, we wanted to take a moment to let you know what we are doing to promote recovery, wellness, and provide a safe and clean environment for you and your pets during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

At The COVE, we ALWAYS prioritize cleanliness and sanitation. From our floors to our operating rooms to our equipment, we go to great lengths to keep our hospital and emergency room sanitized. With our current nationwide situation, we are taking extra precautionary steps by following the Board of Veterinary Medicine and VA Health Department guidelines and recommendations to ensure a safe environment for our hospital and everyone that is a part of our family.

What does this mean if my pet needs emergency services?

The health and welfare of our clients and team members are of the utmost importance as we navigate this dynamic situation. We will be implementing the following guidelines immediately:

1. No handshakes will be allowed for the time being.
2. Our staff will leave 6’ of space when speaking with clients.
3. If you do not feel comfortable bringing your dog or cat into our hospital for an emergency, please call us when you arrive and we will examine your pet in your vehicle.
4. Upon the conclusion of an examination in your vehicle, we will bring your pet into a thoroughly cleaned exam room as soon and quickly as possible.
5. If you have been in physical contact with anyone with COVID-19, please contact The COVE to get your pet the help they may need without spreading the virus.

No one with active COVID-19 respiratory infection should be visiting The COVE. Doing so may expose the members of our veterinary team, as well as other clients, to the disease. Before leaving home, it is essential that anyone displaying fever, cough, or shortness of breath, or who has traveled internationally in the last 14 days or to an area in the United States with a high incidence of COVID-19, call ahead to discuss the situation so we can develop an appropriate clinical plan. Upon speaking, we may ask you to find someone else to bring your pet in to receive care. You can reach us 24/7 at 757-935-9111. We are located at 6550 Hampton Roads Pkwy, #113, Suffolk, VA 23435.

While we are currently maintaining regular operations, we will provide notice of any impact on our current specialty services. Emergency wait times, as always, may vary.

What can I do to help as a client?

When visiting The COVE, please follow CDC guidelines for personal health and hygiene:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water prior to coming to The COVE.
2. Use provided hand sanitizer upon arriving and leaving The COVE.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
4. Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze, using a tissue or your inner elbow (not your hands).
5. When possible, maintain a safe social distance (6 feet) between yourself and others, and abstain from shaking hands and fist-bumping.

What does this mean for me and my pet?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), no animals in the United States have been identified with the virus, and there is no evidence that dogs or other pets can contract or spread COVID-19. Coronaviruses are not new in the world of veterinary medicine. Just like humans, there are already existing coronaviruses. Canine Coronaviruses cause intestinal/respiratory diseases, and feline coronaviruses cause Feline Infectious Peritonitis and diarrhea.

How do I protect myself and my pet?

Hygiene.

1. Wash your hands every time after touching your pet.
2. Wash your pets water bowls every day.
3. Provide your pet with fresh food and water.
4. Clean your pets’ toys and bedding routinely.

While our pets are not at risk for COVID-19, they are still vulnerable to many germs that are actively present and that may become present in the near future. Make sure your pets are up-to-date on all vaccinations, fecal evaluation, heartworm, and bloodwork. Being proactive now will protect them from ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes that will come with warmer weather.

For the latest info on the precautions you can take and updates on the developing situation, please visit websites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Virginia Department of Health.