Dear Clients of the OVAH

We trust that you and your animals are all still well!

During level 1 of lockdown, the OVAH will continue to render essential services, including those to alleviate animal pain and suffering and to provide life-saving treatment. We will also continue to provide chronic medication, parasite control products and pet food.

Already from Monday 11 May, 2020, our specialist clinics (internal medicine, surgery and ophthalmology) have re-opened and we will accept all dog, cat and horse patients referred by other veterinarians on an appointment basis.

Our farm and wildlife veterinarians remain available to attend to all call-outs.

Please dial 086 100 8387 and follow the prompts in order to make an appointment with the relevant clinic.

Please note that the following measures still apply:

• Limit the trip to just yourself and your animal; only bring an assistant if essential to control the animal during transport.
• Please do not attend an appointment if you:
  • have a high temperature, a sore throat or have developed a cough in the past two weeks;
  • are suspected to have, or have been diagnosed to have, the Covid-19 infection, or are in a self-isolation period;
  • have been in close contact with anyone who has been suspected to have, or who has been diagnosed to have, the Covid-19 infection.

If any of the above apply to you, please:

• Arrange that someone healthy brings your animal to us.
• Be aware that Covid-19 can be more severe in older people. We therefore recommend that to minimise contact between older and younger people,   clients over 60 years of age should rather try to arrange that someone else brings their animal to us.

If none of the above apply to you, please:

• Wash pet carriers well using water and dishwashing soap before leaving home.
• Wash your hands thoroughly (for at least 20 seconds) with soap and water right before you leave home to come to us
• Wear a mask at all times. In accordance with COVID-19 regulations, we may not allow you on our premises if you are not wearing a mask that covers the nose and mouth.

On arrival at the Onderstepoort Campus, we will provide you with further guidance. Please assist us by adhering to all requests!

There is an automated hand sanitiser dispenser positioned at the main entrance to the hospital which should be used when you enter and leave the premises.

We will use a non-contact infrared scanner to measure your body temperature before you enter the building. This is done to protect everyone, including our clients, staff and students. Should your temperature be above the recommended maximum of 37.5°C), we will check it again, and if it remains high, we will ask you to return to your vehicle; it will also be in your best interest to seek medical advice on your return home. We will then arrange for someone to take your animal from you and assist with the completion of all necessary paperwork.

Please keep a reasonable distance (where possible, at least 1.5 metres) between yourself and our staff and students while in our hospital, and do not attempt to make physical contact with anyone.

Your support during our continued service delivery is highly appreciated!