After an extended period of curbside appointments during the pandemic, we are thrilled to again have our clients back into our hospital. The pandemic, however, continues to provide us challenges and to force changes in operations. The following information is intended to explain some of this and to let you know what to expect.

Most importantly – please know that our number one priority is, and always will be, the pets! All we do is intended to enable us to continue to provide the very best medical care. And we will do everything we can to make your visit as smooth and as stress-free as possible – for your pet and for you!

1. We remain vigilant regarding COVID. We ask that you wear a well-fitted face mask/s when you are interacting with our staff, especially if you have recently been sick with, or exposed to, COVID, or are displaying any symptoms of respiratory illness.
2. Space constraints. Due to increased demand for veterinary services, limited services being offered at some other emergency and specialty hospitals, and our role as a tertiary referral center, our caseload during this period has increased more than 50%. We have undergone some renovations to accommodate this, with more major renovations to follow. But we are still forced to address space in ways that we had not previously. If your pet is undergoing a test/procedure, we may ask that you wait in your car.
3. Appointment scheduling. For the above reasons, and high demand for our specialists, there can be a significant wait for an available appointment. However, we will always do our best to accommodate you. We have active and dynamic wait lists that almost invariably enable us to get pets in sooner, especially for more urgent needs.

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

• If this is your first visit to CUVS, we will email you a registration form when you schedule your appointment. Please verify your information, sign electronically, and return to us. This will expedite your visit. If you are unable to do so, please plan to arrive earlier.
• Withhold food after 10pm the night before your appointment, unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian. Allow free access to water. Fasting is necessary in case we need to perform imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound) or bloodwork. (It is also good for pets that suffer car sickness.)
• Bring all medications in the original packaging so we can accurately record them. Also, in case your pet stays overnight for any reason.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE HOSPITAL 

• Please park in any of the parking bays in front of the hospital.
• Proceed through the Main Entrance to our reception area. Face masks are recommended. If you do not have one, we will be happy to provide.
• A Client Service Coordinator will assist you and inform the medical team of your arrival. A member of our clinical team will then meet you in the reception area and proceed from there, usually escorting you and your pet into an exam room.
• If you have tested positive for COVID within the prior 10 days, please let us know before interacting with our team.
• If you would prefer not to enter the building, or not wait in the reception, please call us on arrival at 203-595-2777 to let us know. We will be happy to manage your appointment as “curb-side”, bring your pet into the hospital, and communicate with you primarily via phone.

CANCELLING/RESCHEDULING

We require 48-hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. If you are no longer able to make the appointment, it is very important that you inform us as soon as possible as we have a waitlist of sick pets that could really benefit from being seen if we know you can't make it.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please call us at (203) 595-2777.