October 7
As the number of COVID cases rises in Toronto, our main focus, as it has been all along, is to keep our clients and our team safe.
For this reason, we will continue, as most veterinary hospitals in North America are, to offer curbside care. We understand that as the weather cools, this is not as comfortable as during fair weather but it is absolutely essential to keep the team at Blue Cross Animal Hospital safe. If one of our staff gets infected we could potentially have to shut the hospital down for two weeks, leaving your pet with no care at all.
Within the hospital, we still have a mandatory mask policy and are disinfecting all surfaces with every use. We are looking at staggering team members’ shifts to keep them off public transit during peak times. Every team member is required to fill out a health declaration at the beginning of every shift.
We continue to explore ideas for pet care and client interaction for the coming cold weather.
With the virus surging people are feeling frustrated and angry. Our team works extremely hard to provide the best possible service. They too are frightened and upset by the resurgence of COVID yet they come to work every day and put their hearts into looking after the dogs and cats you entrust us with.
Please, please remember that this is difficult for us too. No matter how anxious or frustrated you are, step back, think twice, and remember you’re dealing with an actual person. Every client that sends nasty e-mails, complains, shouts, huffs, rolls their eyes or mumbles under their breath as they walk away chips away a little more at the morale of the amazing people committed to working in this hospital. We are all human and not immune to the hurt that type of behavior causes. We are all in this together.
For those clients who have given us praise and encouragement, we can’t thank you enough. It means the world to us.
On a personal note, I continue to be overwhelmingly proud of our team. They show up day after day. They cosset and care deeply for the dogs and cats, kittens and puppies that they look after, and they do everything they can to create the best possible experience for you and your pet in very challenging circumstances. I couldn’t ask to work with a better group of people.
–Dr. Hazel Eaglesome
