It’s still difficult for me to wrap my brain around the fact that it was only three months ago, on January 21, 2020, that the first coronavirus case in the United States was confirmed in Washington State. So much has happened since then, and we will never be the same. I was just starting to get comfortable with the amazing team at Jet City Animal Clinic and really enjoying my new position as one of our associate veterinarians. At that time, I don’t think any of us could have predicted the changes to come within our communities, across the country and around the world.
On February 29th, Seattle and King County Public Health confirmed the first coronavirus-related death. Also on that day, Jackson High School announced its closure after a student had a presumptive positive test, our first indication of viral community spread in the greater-Seattle area. Governor Inslee closed all schools in the King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties on March 12th, marking the beginning of remote learning and our “homeschool” adventure with my two elementary school-aged sons.
On March 21st, in compliance with recommendations by professional and government organizations, Jet City Animal Clinic converted to the practice of “curbside services,” significantly impacting the way we interact with our valued clients and patients. It certainly has been a roller-coaster of emotions and a series of ongoing challenges as we all adjust to the “new normal.”
Each one of us has our own story of how we are dealing with uncertainty and navigating our new lives at this difficult time. While we have learned much about this novel coronavirus, now named COVID-19, there are still many questions that remain unanswered. Daily, we seem to be flooded with new information and events involving COVID-19, triggering more feelings of unpredictability and worry.
We at Jet City Animal Clinic, like many of you, have been especially concerned and closely following the latest reports regarding COVID-19 and animals. As always, we look to our four-legged family members to provide companionship and comfort. But what if, and at what point, do we get concerned that the same beloved pets that give us so much love and support could also be a source of illness? Or, on the flip side, could we inadvertently make them sick? While there is much unknown about COVID-19 and animals, we wanted to provide you with a list of reliable resources with the most current information on what we do know.
Veterinary Partner is a website associated with VIN, our online veterinarian network, and one of the most reliable sources of pet information on a variety of topics. Here is a link to an article on COVID-19 FAQs for pet owners.
Our national professional organization, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), has also provided some good information on COVID-19 and pets.
On their website, the USDA has answered some FAQs about animals, including information on pet safety and testing, and other happenings within our greater veterinary industry.
As new information becomes available, we will continue to re-evaluate our practices to provide ongoing services to our valued clients, patients and community. At this time, there is no evidence of transmission of COVID-19 from animals to humans. Furthermore, although private laboratories are offering testing for animals, it is not yet available without working through your local, state or federal public health and animal health officials.
We at Jet City Animal Clinic are committed to providing the sound advice and superior care that you have come to expect from our team. We are truly fortunate to work with such passionate and knowledgeable clients who are dedicated to the best care for their pets and our community. We look forward to the day we can hug each other in person and talk face-to face again with you, our Jet City Animal Clinic family. Until then, stay safe, stay well!
Written by Dr. Kim Hsu – Veterinarian at Jet City Animal Clinic