Local pet hospitals remain open for emergencies

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) Restaurants are not the only ones offering curbside service during the COVID-19 shutdown. Central Coast veterinarians are switching to curbside appointments as they remain essential businesses for the community.

As more people have stayed at home, many are spending more time inside and outside with their pets.

"We see a lot of dogs that are eating the fox-tail grass and getting grass seeds up their nose and in their ears and cast getting grass seeds in their eyes," says Bill Sullenberger with Pet Specialists of Monterey.

As the clinics remain open, appointments are a bit different with social distancing rules in place.

"We meet people in the parking lot and our technicians will take the pets into the hospital," says Sullenberger.

Animal Hospital of Salinas is doing curb-side appointments as well.

"We've closed our lobbies and we've instituted curb side appointments for people," says Al Chan with Animal Hospital of Salinas. "Vets will call the owner on their cell phone in the car and go over treatment options."

Although it's something that's being received well by people who need their services, it's something that's been an adjustment for veterinarians.

"We're just asking for a little bit more trust in clients because we can't see them face to face," says Sullenberger.

Doctors are sticking to more essential services for appointment. Some are even limiting daily hours to reduce the possibility of any spread of the coronavirus.

"We've turned away more routine things like nail trims and routine grooming type appointments that we feel aren't necessary at this time," says Chan.

For those concerned about COVID-19 with their pets, veterinarians have some advice:

"What we'd recommend for people is to begin socially distancing animals as well," says Chan.