Vets give excellent care, despite circumstances

ON WORLD Veterinary Day, as we pause to celebrate the role of veterinarians all over the world and particularly in Jamaica, we recognise that now more than ever, in this COVID-19 crisis, our veterinary team has had to step up to the plate and deliver. The role of a veterinarian has always involved that of not only the animal’s welfare, but also educating their owners so that together we can ensure that they get the best possible care. In the midst of the pandemic, veterinarians have had to assure our clients that their domestic pets and livestock cannot give them the COVID-19 virus and they can continue to love and care for them as they do us. Although perhaps with a little less face-licking so we do not give our dogs and cats COVID.

We have played our role as medical professionals, encouraging clients to follow protocols to wash and sanitise their hands and maintain social distance. It has certainly not been easy to maintain that distance as we educate the excited puppy owner with several pictures of their new family member to show you, or comfort a grieving client as we help them make difficult decisions about their pets. We have learnt to make our presence and care felt even from farther away. We have also maintained our presence in support of livestock health, food safety and security.

We have battled COVID individually and while some have gotten very ill, we are thankful none have lost their lives. We have, however, mourned the loss of loved ones and friends to COVID, while encouraging those around us to pull up their masks and live. We have educated our clients about not only their pet’s vaccines, but discussed the COVID vaccines for humans and encouraged them to consult their human doctors and take the vaccine, once it is safe for them. We have stood with our human medical colleagues involved in the COVID fight and continue to remember those in the deepest trenches of battle on the wards, and encourage them that we appreciate their service.

Understanding the mental toll that COVID-19 takes on all of us, we have rallied to support each other as a community. We have continued to serve, taking our role as essential workers seriously, continued to drive out after curfew to meet our patients’ needs, and are committed to giving the excellent standard of care that our patients and clients deserve, no matter the circumstance.