For Immediate Release:
The closure or limitations of primary care veterinary clinics during the COVID-19 crisis has led to emergency services nationwide facing an unprecedented increased caseload. The cascade of patients from primary veterinarians to emergency services has stretched resources and capabilities. Our emergency service does not require appointments, and wait times for routine medical care as compared to those with life threatening or critical care needs have increased from one hour to often over eight hours.
Due to our dedication to the community and to our family of dedicated doctors, technicians, and client service representatives, VREC will be temporarily adjusting hours of operation for the Emergency Service. Effective Monday, October 19, 2020, VREC’s temporary Emergency hours are limited to nights only, and full-service hours on weekends:
Monday – Sunday: 7pm – 7am
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 24 hours
What does this mean for my pet(s)?
While our Emergency Service hours are temporarily limited, the hospital and all referral services will not be affected. Surgery and Internal Medicine departments will operate without disruption. This means any scheduled consultations, appointments, or procedures will not be affected. Any pet requiring hospitalization will continue to be monitored 24/7 by a team of clinicians and technicians, regardless of department. Staff will also continue to be available via phone 24/7.
Monday through Thursday from 7am – 7pm, pet owners who feel their pet is experiencing an emergency must seek medical care with their primary care veterinarian. Your veterinarian may contact either the Internal Medicine or Surgery services for a specific emergency transfer to VREC for these services, or make recommendations for care at another hospital.
Our emergency service remains available from 7pm-7am.
Our amended Emergency Service schedule is temporary and will be evaluated throughout the remainder of 2020. We are optimistic that full and normal operations may resume as soon as November. We will announce the return of full hours of operation for the Emergency Service as soon as possible.
Pet owners without a current primary care veterinarian are encouraged to contact VREC should they need assistance locating vet clinics in their area.
VREC remains committed to providing a full-service hospital and superior care to our community, patients, clients and regional veterinarians, and looks forward to return to 24/7 care as soon as possible.
VREC contact information:
Phone (570) 587-7777
www.vrecpa.com