Coronavirus

Beginning March 24th, Abbey Animal Hospital will be offering curbside service only!

No Clients will be allowed in Abbey Animal Hospital until further notice.

Hello friends of Abbey Animal Hospital Corona,

First, I would like to thank you for your support and understanding during this incredibly difficult and stressful time. As you know, as essential workers, we have been open throughout the pandemic. You have been patient as we struggled through heavy regulation, limited staff, long hours and constantly changing infectious disease policies.

 

Our biggest single challenge has been how to continue operating as a fully functional hospital while protecting the health of both our team and our community. We believe our mission of taking care of your pets is a critically important one and so we aim for the highest level of patient care and customer service, even in these times of crisis. Our team and others across the country are working through the most stressful months of our careers because we chose to be here through COVID-19 to provide care to our patients.

 

We hear your frustration at some of the things that have changed, like not being able to come into the building, difficulty reaching us by phone (our call volume has almost doubled), and not being able to get the appointment day or time that you want. But the decisions we make are for your safety as well as ours. We are a team of dedicated people who love your pet almost as much as you do. We have team members who are at higher risk for COVID or live with people at higher risk. We cannot help pets if we get sick. We cannot help pets if we must stay home to care for a loved one who is sick. So, we follow the recommendations from the CDC, from the AVMA and from our local health department.

 

Second, I would like to thank our amazing staff for their incredible efforts on behalf of their patients. They too feel the day-to-day stress of living and working during a pandemic. Yet they continue to work long shifts to care for sick pets with compassion and professionalism while putting themselves at risk. Every person comes to work every day to do what they love – to help improve the life of your pet and hope to help improve your life as well by helping keep your pet healthy. And they do it wearing hot, uncomfortable personal protective gear and masks, all day, every day.

 

In spite of this, we have been yelled at, bullied, and treated rudely. We understand that these are stressful times, but not only is it inappropriate to take it out on us, it is immature and will not be tolerated. We expect every member of our team to be treated with the kindness and respect they deserve, whether they be a receptionist, assistant, technician or veterinarian. It is unacceptable to be rude to our receptionists and be nice to the doctor. Please remember this when you call our office or interact with our staff.

 

We are committed to you and the well-being of your pets. We ask that you continue to partner with us as kindly and compassionately as possible to meet that commitment.

 

Thank you for understanding that we are all truly in this together.

 

Sincerely,

 

Dr. Robin Knopp and

The Entire Staff at Abbey Animal Hospital Team

 

As a Public Health Service, Abbey Animal Hospital continues to remain open and serve our community during these difficult times.  As information and guidelines from the CDC, VDH, and AVMA are changing and evolving, we have been adapting the way we function in order to continue to provide the highest level of care while still maintaining appropriate cautions.

With these things being considered, we have determined that it is in the best interest of everyone for us to offer curbside service only.  This means that clients will no longer be allowed inside of Abbey Animal Hospital until further notice (with the exception of euthanasias).  Your appointment will go as follows:

• When you arrive to the parking lot, please text our front desk at 757-471-1003
  • Please include your pet’s name
  • Your first and last name
  • make, model, and color of your car
• Our medical team will then call you and will ask you about your pet’s symptoms.  If we determine that the situation is critical, we will get your verbal authorization and obtain payment for emergency care.
• Our team member will come to your vehicle and speak to you through the window (more than 6-foot distance) to confirm your information and inform you of the next steps.  You will be instructed to stay in the car wile your pet is taken into the hospital for examination/assessment.
• You will be asked to sign the authorization to exam and treat your pet.  Your pet will be removed from your vehicle in a secured carrier or double-leashed.
• Our team member will take your pet into the hospital for that doctor to examine.
• Your pet will be brought to the treatment area and examined/assessed.
• Our medical team will call you with the exam findings and secure authorization for diagnostics/treatment/hospitalization as needed.  You will receive a verbal treatment plan over the phone.
• Payment information will be taken over the phone at the time of intake or discharge via a credit card.

 

We understand that this may be an inconvenience, but we recognize that we must be responsible for doing our part to help reduce the spread if this virus.  This is not a decision that was made lightly, but with careful through and concern.

The quality of care you are used to at Abbey Animal Hospital will not be changing, as our focus remains on the safety and health of your pet.  For those clients who desire to be with their pet during the visit, we ask that they reschedule their appointments at this time.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we all continue to navigate this unprecedented situation.

 

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, the staff at Abbey Animal Hospital are commited to providing safe service for you and your pet. While we are remaining open, please help us keep our environment as sterile as possible: – Wash your hands before coming into our office – Use hand sanitizer throughout your visit – Reschedule if you are feeling ill, exhibiting any symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath), recently attended a large gathering, may have been exposed to COVID-19, or have recently traveled to an area with a high infection rate – Practice social distancing while visiting; per CDC guidelines we ask that you maintain a minimum of 6 feet from others and avoid any contact.   If your pet needs medical attention and you’re concerned about visiting our practice, please call us to discuss treatment options. As always, some medications and food can be ordered through our online pharmacy: https://abbeyanimal.vetsfirstchoice.com/ We hope that you and your pet remain healthy through this time, and please know that we are commited to their care. Sincerly, Dr Robin Knopp and staff at Abbey Animal Hospital

 

 

Dear Friends & Family,
As we all move forward in facing the coronavirus (COVID-19), we understand that there are growing concerns regarding the information that is being released. We want to take a moment to address some of your concerns and explain how we are managing to serve our clients and patients through this challenging time.
Our foremost concern is the safety our clients, doctors, staff, and patients. With this in mind, we are taking additional precautions to ensure Abbey Animal Hospital is adhering to the highest standards of cleanliness and caution. In addition to our regular cleaning schedule (with chemicals that are known to kill the virus), we have also increased the frequency of hospital cleanings. We want to assure clients who are concerned regarding the risk of exposure that we are doing everything we can to keep you safe and healthy including:
-Providing hand sanitizer at strategic areas.
-Establishing a “no hand shake” policy & personal separation zone.
-Taking extra care to sanitize the exam rooms, lobby and bathrooms between visits and   throughout the day
-All staff are required to wash their hands frequently, especially between patients
-Any staff with a fever or symptoms of the virus are not to report to work
-Following all guidelines provided by the Virginia Department of Health, as they      continue to evolve.
Above all, the health and safety of our clients and patients are our priority. As new information becomes available to us, we will relay it to you. Please be sure to follow us on Facebook and download our app in the Google Play or Apple App Store to be sure we are able to communicate any changes or updates to you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected and their loved ones. We encourage anyone who is showing signs or symptoms of the virus or have traveled internationally within the last 14 days to contact us via phone with any issues or concerns, to reduce the risk of potential contamination.

Sincerely,

The Doctors, Management and Staff of Abbey Animal Hospital