Our top priority at Happy Tails Animal Hospital is the health and wellness of our patients- it’s the foundation of everything we do. While that focus has always been on providing the best care possible to both current and new patients, the recent spread of COVID-19 has surprisingly brought an influx of patients into the clinic. Since we have had more clients joining our hospital, we have had to implement some changes. These changes will be updated as time passes and new information is presented regarding COVID-19 and how to handle this virus.
We are now asking that new clients pre-pay over the phone for their first exam with us at the time when the appointment is scheduled. The deposit will cover the cost of the first exam. If a client no call/ no shows for an appointment or shows up more than 10 minutes late for their appointment, the deposit will be lost and a new deposit will need to be made in order to reschedule an exam with us. We understand that this may seem like an inconvenience to some, but this helps ensure that clients arrive for their scheduled appointments.
We are now asking that new clients pre-pay over the phone for their first exam with us at the time when the appointment is scheduled. The deposit will cover the cost of the first exam. If a client no call/ no shows for an appointment or shows up more than 10 minutes late for their appointment, the deposit will be lost and a new deposit will need to be made in order to reschedule an exam with us. We understand that this may seem like an inconvenience to some, but this helps ensure that clients arrive for their scheduled appointments.
All clients: We ask that you please call us at 1-717-393-8245 when you arrive at the hospital. At this time we are doing all appointments curbside unless it is for end of life services. This however is not due to COVID-19, but due to the damage done to our building and repairs in the process of being made. We do not require masks. If you wish for a staff member to wear a mask during the appointment with you and your pet please feel free to ask and will accommodate this request if it is made.
For the safety of all of our patients please make sure you have a secure collar and leash on your dog and your cat in a carrier. We will use a slip lead out of the safety of your dog as a secondary leash when walking them into our building. If you do not have a secure carrier for your cat please ask and we will bring one out for your cat to be placed into for transporting into our building.
- General Appointments: A staff member will come to your car to take a detailed history and then borrow your pet to be brought into our treatment area for their physical exam while you continue to remain in the comfort of your car. After the exam your doctor will come outside to your car to discuss the exam, any findings, and then any recommendations for your pet. Your technician or assistant will then help you with paying your invoice and gathering any medications you may need.
- Technician Appointments: A staff member will come to your car to discuss what your pet is here for and discuss any concerns you may have. They will then borrow your pet to bring to your treatment area for their appointment while you continue to wait in the comfort of your car. They will then return your pet to you, and medications your requested, and help you with paying your bill.
- Prescription refills: Upon calling the office one our client service representatives will check you out over the phone and then bring your medication or food out to your vehicle. We accept credit cards, check, cash, and care credit as we always have.
- Surgery Appointments: Please arrive between 7:45am-8:15am to drop your pet off for the procedure. A staff member will come to your car with a consent form to review and have you sign. They will confirm you have not fed your pet any food or treats past midnight and if they are on an current medications. We always discuss that in the event of an emergency would you want us to perform CPR. Please be prepared to answer this question. We will also ask if your pet is microchipped and if not do you want one implanted today. Most importantly we will need a phone number we can contact you at. This must be a phone number that if we call you will be able to answer at the time of doing so. Most often we are calling to discuss your pet's procedure, but in the event we have something to discuss while your pet is under anesthesia we often can not wait for a return call. Last we will have you sign a copy of the estimate that was provided to you prior to the procedure.
For the safety of all of our patients please make sure you have a secure collar and leash on your dog and your cat in a carrier. We will use a slip lead out of the safety of your dog as a secondary leash when walking them into our building. If you do not have a secure carrier for your cat please ask and we will bring one out for your cat to be placed into for transporting into our building.
COVID-19 update 12/27/2021
In light of the increase in recent Covid cases and the new variant we just wanted to remind our clients of a few things. Please always call when arriving at our facility to check in over the phone. Do NOT just walk in unless you are asked to do so. This is to minimize the amount of people in our lobby. We will continue to allow 2 people in for an appointment with the doctor. Our technician appointments will continue to remain curbside only.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms in the last 48 hours please inform our staff that you are not feeling well:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we will request that your appointment occur using our curbside service to prevent prolonged exposure to our staff.
If you have tested positive for Covid 19, are awaiting test results, or have been told by your healthcare provider that you are suspected to be positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days, then we will ask that you do not come to your appointment and reschedule it.
For an appointment that is needed because your pet is sick during a time when the above conditions are applicable to you, please find a family member or friend who is not ill to bring your pet for a curbside appointment. We can then call you over the phone to discuss your pet’s treatment plan and payment.
We request honesty from our clients to help protect our staff. There have been times in neighboring hospitals and clinics where COVID has caused them to have to shut down due to lack of staff. We are doing our best to prevent this so that we can continue to serve our clients and provide care for all of our patients.
Sincerely,
Dr.Hodges and the staff of Happy Tails Animal Hospital
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms in the last 48 hours please inform our staff that you are not feeling well:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- New loss of taste or smell
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea, Vomiting, or diarrhea.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we will request that your appointment occur using our curbside service to prevent prolonged exposure to our staff.
If you have tested positive for Covid 19, are awaiting test results, or have been told by your healthcare provider that you are suspected to be positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days, then we will ask that you do not come to your appointment and reschedule it.
For an appointment that is needed because your pet is sick during a time when the above conditions are applicable to you, please find a family member or friend who is not ill to bring your pet for a curbside appointment. We can then call you over the phone to discuss your pet’s treatment plan and payment.
We request honesty from our clients to help protect our staff. There have been times in neighboring hospitals and clinics where COVID has caused them to have to shut down due to lack of staff. We are doing our best to prevent this so that we can continue to serve our clients and provide care for all of our patients.
Sincerely,
Dr.Hodges and the staff of Happy Tails Animal Hospital
