Oaklands Update June 18, 2020
We would like to thank all our amazing and hard-working Oaklands Team Members for adapting to our “new normal” over the past two months. Despite the significant increase in telephone calls, much less efficient protocols and fewer staff on hand, every Team Member has arrived at Oaklands each day with unbridled enthusiasm and a genuine desire to help our clients and their pets as best we can during this difficult times. Our Oaklands Team’s effort and sacrifice over the past two months will never be forgotten!
We would also like to thank all our clients for the understanding you have shown over the past two months as we continue to operate with reduced staff and under restrictions which have resulted in the cancellation of all routine procedures and reduced appointment availability for more urgent cases. Many of you have sent us treats and made face masks to help keep us safe. We appreciate all the caring you have shown us, and your kindness will also never be forgotten!
As the Province gradually re-opens businesses, Oaklands Veterinary Hospital will be expanding our hours to better accommodate those clients who will be returning to work over the next few weeks. Effective Monday May 25th, we will be open from 8AM – 8PM Monday – Thursday, and from 8AM – 5PM Friday and from 9AM – 5PM Saturday and Sunday. Clients will still not be permitted to enter the building until further notice.
As we expand our business hours and some of our services, we ask for continued patience as we continue to operate with reduced staff and under guidelines provided by both our governing body (CVBC) and Work Safe BC.
As we are permitted to expand the services we offer, we will begin by contacting those whose pets have been “wait-listed” to schedule their pet’s procedure. Routine surgeries (spays, neuters and dental cleanings) and Rabies boosters will take priority as we expect it will take some time to “catch up”.
If you have any symptoms, such as sore throat, cough, fever or sneezing please remain at home. Non-emergency appointments should be re-scheduled for a later date. If your pet requires emergency care, please arrange for someone who is not showing symptoms to bring your pet to Oaklands.
Please continue to follow the steps below when arriving at Oaklands:
Emergencies
Whenever possible, we ask that you call ahead for emergencies so that we can prepare to care for your pet in the best way possible. When you arrive at Oaklands, please remain in your vehicle and inform us of your arrival by calling 250-590-4455. If you do not have a cell phone, please knock on our door and return to your vehicle. At staff member will collect your pet from your vehicle. Once your pet has been examined by the Veterinarian, he or she will call you to discuss the plan for your pet’s care.
Surgical Procedures
When you arrive at Oaklands, please remain in your vehicles and inform us of your arrival by calling 250-590-4455. For surgical intake, you will be asked a series of questions regarding your pet, and then one of our staff members will collect your pet from your vehicle. When your pet is ready to be discharged, a staff member will call you, go over post-surgical care and discuss the invoice for your pet’s care. Payment may be made by credit card over the telephone or by e transfer. We are unable to take cash payments until further notice. Your pet will then be returned to your vehicle when you arrive for pick up.
Booked Appointments
When you arrive at Oaklands, please remain in your vehicle and inform us of your arrival by calling 250-590-4455. A staff member will collect your pet from your vehicle. Once your pet has been examined by the Veterinarian, he or she will call you to discuss the plan for your pet’s care. Payment may be made by credit card over the telephone at that time. We also accept e transfers. We are unable to take cash payments until further notice. Your pet and any medication required will then be returned to your vehicle.
Food Orders
Whenever possible, we encourage you to use our online store (MyVetStore) for food orders. We are asked by our suppliers to remind you to order only what your pet will need for one month. This is to ensure that supply can keep up with demand and that all pets will have access to the food they need. If you do not have an account with our online store, you can create one by either visiting our website at www.oaklandsvet.ca or by calling us at 250-590-4455 and one of our staff members can help you set up your account.
Food purchased from our online store can be shipped directly to your home. The shipping fee of $9.99 will continue to be temporarily waived for orders of $50 or more.
If you are unable to order on-line, we are still able to sell you pet food directly from Oaklands Veterinary Hospital. In order to limit social interactions, we will require that food is pre-paid by credit card over the telephone or via e transfer. We are unable to take cash payments until further notice. When you arrive at Oaklands to pick up food, please remain in your vehicle and call 250-590-4455 to let us know they have arrived. A staff member will deliver your pet’s food to your vehicle.
Prescription Refills
If your pet requires a refill of their medication, please call ahead. We will not be re-filling prescriptions in person until further notice. A staff member will call you when your pet’s medication is ready to be picked up. Payment should be made by credit card over the telephone or by e transfer. When you arrive at Oaklands to pick up your pet’s medication, please remain in your vehicle and call 250-590-4455 to let us know you have arrived. A staff member will deliver your pet’s medication to your vehicle. We are unable to take cash payments until further notice.
No Cell Phone?
If you do not have a cell phone and are arriving at Oaklands for any of the above, please knock on our door to let us know that you have arrived and then return to your vehicle. A staff member will come to your vehicle to assist you while maintaining the recommended social distance.
We would like to assure all of you that we are taking extra measures within our facility to ensure that you, your pets and our staff are as safe as possible. We will keep you all up to date with any further changes to safety measures, policies and services. We understand that this is a difficult time for our community and our thoughts are with all those who are impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.