BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Over the weekend Governor Andrew Cuomo announced veterinarians can reopen practice to non-emergency services starting May 26.
When we reached out for clarification, a spokesperson from his office said pet owners would now be able to accompany their pets into appointments — but local veterinarians dispute this.
Dr. Heather Sacks of Nickel City Animal Hospital said there is a lot of work to be done before clinics feel comfortable welcoming pet owners inside facilities.
“Absolutely not,” she said. “We think we’re ready for a second wave, we see a lot of people not following the rules.”
For now, practices plan to continue with curbside treatment: you will call to make an appointment, text when you arrive, go over your pet’s history on the phone, and when it’s time for the appointment a technician will bring a sterilized leash or carrier out to collect the animal. If the appointment needs any sort of owner interaction, a video chat will be initiated from the patient room to discuss a course of treatment and then you pet will be brought back out to your vehicle.
Many clinics are still allowing owners in the facilities if a pet is being put down.
