From Mahalo with Love to you and your pet family
To say the least it would be an understatement to say that we live in challenging and unprecedented times right now, filled with uncertainty, but at the same time, we are filled with optimism when we see how the vast majority of people recognize that we are all in the same boat and work together for the good of all.
To all of the pet parents we serve, we send out a big "Mahalo" thank you for your support and understanding as we work through the days and weeks ahead.
We are committed to you and the ones you love. We are temporarily modifying our hours of operation. For details please click the link below.
As always, we will be available on call for our clients outside of normal business hours and you can reach us by calling our main number, 250-824-1444.
Covid-19 Mahalo screening and admission protocols
We do ask that if you believe you have come into contact with anyone who has COVID-19 or its associated symptoms, or have traveled abroad recently that you contact our office to discuss your pet's needs and make admission arrangements.
In addition to disinfection of exam rooms in between patients, we are disinfecting all public areas including: waiting area, counters, point of sale machines, entrance doors, and washrooms. We are imposing control measures for patient admission . Please call ahead for further information.
Need Help in Transporting your Pet
"Merry Puppinns Petsitting Services, in response to COVID 19 will act as partner to Mahalo Veterinary Hospital to transport pets who need emergency care and/or treatment to/from hospital. This service will be, ‘By Donation Only”
For seniors, people with compromised immune systems and those unable to leave their homes. Our pets are our family and their care and well being is especially important during these challenging times.
*Please note Merry Puppinns Petsitting Services is a separate entity and as such Mahalo Veterinary Hospital is not liable for use of services and as such patients / clients use these services at their own risk.
Please Click Link Below Regarding program.
covid-19 and your pets health
For current information regarding your pet and Covid-19 please click the Link below . Also please see up to date information through the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
We will be continuing to monitor the situation as it progresses. Please see the links below for recent announcements by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and the Government of Canada. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet and COVID-19 or regarding our response during the pandemic, please do not hesitate to contact us .
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For Latest updates regarding Covid-19 Animal Health from the Government of Canada - CFIA please click the link below.
As per the Government of Canada March 29, 2020 information on Covid -19 and your pet
- CFIA is not aware of any reports worldwide of any animal getting sick after exposure to a human case, despite the large outbreak in humans.
- The current spread of COVID-19 is as a result of human to human transmission. According to the OIE, there is no evidence that pets play a role in transmitting the disease to humans. Scientists are still trying to understand if and how it affects animals.
Precautionary measures around animals
As a precautionary measure, the we recommend that people with COVID-19 symptoms or those who are self-isolating due to contact with a COVID-19 case, should follow similar recommendations around animals, as they would around other people in these circumstances:
avoid close contact with animals during your illness practise good handwashing and avoid coughing and sneezing on your animals
do not visit farms or contact livestock
if possible, have another member of your household care for your animalsif this is not possible, always wash your hands before and after touching animals, their food and supplies
limit your animal's contact with other people and animals outside the household until your illness is resolved
Pets contribute to our overall happiness and well-being, especially in times of stress. If you are feeling well (no symptoms of COVID-19) and are not self-isolating because of COVID-19 illness, taking walks with your dog and/or spending other time with your pet can contribute to keeping both you and your pet healthy.Pet illness following exposure to COVID-19
Currently, there is no evidence that pets or other animals can become ill after exposure to the virus, so their illness is most likely unrelated. If your animal develops respiratory illness, talk to your veterinarian about other more common respiratory pathogens and other conditions that could be the cause of their illness. If you feel that your pet needs veterinary care, call your veterinarian rather than just going to the clinic. This will help your veterinarian assess the situation and determine if your pet needs to be seen. Their illness is most likely unrelated and measures including giving up your animal would not be needed.Tests for COVID-19 in animals
Testing animals for COVID-19 is not recommended, as the virus is primarily transmitted person-to-person and not through animal contact. If your animal develops respiratory illness, talk to your veterinarian about other more common respiratory pathogens and other conditions that could be the cause of their illness.- Vaccine against the COVID-19 virus for animals
Currently, there are no licenced commercial vaccines against COVID-19 virus available in Canada for animals. There is no evidence that vaccinating animals with commercially available vaccines for other coronaviruses will provide cross-protection against COVID-19 virus. - Animals recently imported from affected areas
All animals entering Canada must meet import requirements set out by the CFIA. There are currently no specific requirements in place in Canada restricting animal importation related to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, until we know more, importers, rescue organizations and adoptive families should postpone importing any animals as much as possible.
