As lockdown measures slowly loosen, we are all having to find our way in the new “normal” and veterinary practices are no exception. In some ways, it was simpler in the first three weeks of lockdown when we were only seeing emergencies, but obviously this was never going to be sustainable in the long term; something that was not an emergency six weeks ago, if left untreated, will have become an emergency by now. So, vets are increasing the scope of cases that they are seeing whilst still maintaining social distancing to keep their staff and clients safe – not always an easy task.

Technology has helped hugely in this task – we have mobile apps, video consultations and email to help us decide which patients really need to come into the surgery. Those that need to be seen can then be brought to the surgery; our practice, like many others in the area, are still not allowing clients into the building with their pets. We are taking a history from owners outside and then taking pets in for treatment, thus maintaining social distancing.

Neutering pets certainly falls into the more “routine” category of veterinary work however these are not procedures that can be delayed indefinitely. The last thing that we need is a spate of unwanted pregnancies as a result of lockdown; cats in particular are at great risk of this due to their wandering nature but so are any pets in multi-pet households (dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs to name but a few). So, for those pets in situations where opposite sexes cannot be kept apart, we are also starting to neuter pets again.