So here we go again – back into lockdown.

Understandably, lots of clients are asking how this will affect veterinary practices and what services we will be providing for pets.

Obviously all practices will vary, but in general we vets will not be shutting down to “emergencies only” like we did in March.

Practices will remain open and continue to see patients but services may change slightly.

For example practices may put routine check-ups and boosters on hold for a month and may be doing more consultations online or over the phone.

As I said, check with your own practice to see what services they are offering.

Whatever your practice is doing they will be taking huge care with social distancing and hygiene.

This may mean that the logistics of attending the practice are different – for example here at Castle Vets we have a buzzer system now so that people wait in their cars rather than in the waiting room to keep numbers in the waiting room to a minimum.

We are still not having owners holding their pets while we examine them, as this cannot be carried out in a socially distanced way, but we have put in place systems to allow us to talk to clients to take history and discuss treatment inside out of the wind and rain.

Whatever changes have been instigated at your vets I guarantee they will have been put in place for the safety of both customers and staff.

So please – be patient with your veterinary practice. If they ask you to do things slightly differently it is not because they are being awkward – it is because they are trying to keep everyone safe.

*Alice Moore is a vet at Castle Veterinary Clinic, Dorchester and Weymouth. Tel 01305 26708