COVID-19
7/29/22
5/31/2022
5/23/2022
2/22/2022
12/21/2021
6/28/2021
5/24/2021
Hi folks!
It has been a bit since we have posted an update with plans. With the Ohio Department of Health’s decision to follow the recent CDC guidelines, we have been getting more inquiries and comments about pet parents being allowed into our building with their beloved pets.
We hear you and want nothing more than this. We miss you too! And we know it just feels better to be with your furry (or feathered or scaled or….) member of the family. And they like having you there for moral support!
Please know we are in the process of developing plans that will allow you to enter with your pet. Though it may seem simple, there is a lot of preparation and organizational processes that need developed and put into action. Also, because we cannot do what we do without our team, we need for most of them to be fully vaccinated to keep us all as safe as possible. We are happy to say, we are not too far away. This goes for the general population too. We must make sure we are all prepared and safe to proceed with these plans.
Our goal is to allow one masked person in per pet. There will be more guidelines to follow. We hope to be able to do this beginning to mid-summer (hint: after July 4th). This is not too far off. So, please continue to be patient with us, we need this!
We promise, our tails are wagging for the day we get to see you!
It has been a bit since we have posted an update with plans. With the Ohio Department of Health’s decision to follow the recent CDC guidelines, we have been getting more inquiries and comments about pet parents being allowed into our building with their beloved pets.
We hear you and want nothing more than this. We miss you too! And we know it just feels better to be with your furry (or feathered or scaled or….) member of the family. And they like having you there for moral support!
Please know we are in the process of developing plans that will allow you to enter with your pet. Though it may seem simple, there is a lot of preparation and organizational processes that need developed and put into action. Also, because we cannot do what we do without our team, we need for most of them to be fully vaccinated to keep us all as safe as possible. We are happy to say, we are not too far away. This goes for the general population too. We must make sure we are all prepared and safe to proceed with these plans.
Our goal is to allow one masked person in per pet. There will be more guidelines to follow. We hope to be able to do this beginning to mid-summer (hint: after July 4th). This is not too far off. So, please continue to be patient with us, we need this!
We promise, our tails are wagging for the day we get to see you!
11/9/2020
First, thank you for all the encouraging words of support we’ve received since we sent out yesterday’s unfortunate news regarding one of our team members testing positive for COVID-19. Please refer to that letter for more information.
The purpose of this follow-up letter is to address a couple inquiries we’ve had about potential client exposures to the COVID (+) employee and also to inform all of you, in case you may also have further questions or concerns.
The positive employee has not been in contact with any patients or in a working role since Tuesday, November 3rd. The individual arrived to work Wednesday am but was immediately sent home.
Given our strict measures that include “curbside” care where your pet is deposited into our vestibule so we can take him or her into our hospital safely, there is virtually no client contact. On the very rare occasions where a client is allowed in the building, we adhere to strict social distancing, PPE, sanitation processed, etc. The CDC currently defines exposure as 15 minutes of accumulative time spent with a positive or presumed positive individual and not adhering to the 6 feet social distancing. We do not have a client circumstance where he/she falls under this definition of exposure. Also, to date, there is no evidence the COVID-19 can be transmitted from a pet to infect a human.
As is the case anyways, everyone should be following CDC guidelines to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 as well as monitoring themselves for symptoms. That has not changed. What has is the reminder that we still have a pandemic to be concerned about.
The Geauga Health Department has been notified and will be conducting contact tracing. If there is any concern of exposure to the positive person, these individuals will be identified and contacted. We will not be performing this ourselves. Again, we are confident that no client should need to be concerned.
Last, any further staff members that have exhibited any concerning symptoms have been isolated and tested. We have thoroughly sanitized over the weekend and continue to do so. We have also taken more precautions segregating within the hospital. Rest assured, we are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe so that we can stay open and be here for your beloved pets.
In the meantime, we appreciate your continued patience, support, and well wishes as we navigate through this very difficult time. We will continue to update you with any more pertinent information. If you have an existing appointment and feel you’d like to reschedule or have any additional questions, please feel free to call, email, or use the Vet2Pet chat option.
Drs. Wendy and Tom Frankmann and the rest of your ACOC Team
The purpose of this follow-up letter is to address a couple inquiries we’ve had about potential client exposures to the COVID (+) employee and also to inform all of you, in case you may also have further questions or concerns.
The positive employee has not been in contact with any patients or in a working role since Tuesday, November 3rd. The individual arrived to work Wednesday am but was immediately sent home.
Given our strict measures that include “curbside” care where your pet is deposited into our vestibule so we can take him or her into our hospital safely, there is virtually no client contact. On the very rare occasions where a client is allowed in the building, we adhere to strict social distancing, PPE, sanitation processed, etc. The CDC currently defines exposure as 15 minutes of accumulative time spent with a positive or presumed positive individual and not adhering to the 6 feet social distancing. We do not have a client circumstance where he/she falls under this definition of exposure. Also, to date, there is no evidence the COVID-19 can be transmitted from a pet to infect a human.
As is the case anyways, everyone should be following CDC guidelines to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 as well as monitoring themselves for symptoms. That has not changed. What has is the reminder that we still have a pandemic to be concerned about.
The Geauga Health Department has been notified and will be conducting contact tracing. If there is any concern of exposure to the positive person, these individuals will be identified and contacted. We will not be performing this ourselves. Again, we are confident that no client should need to be concerned.
Last, any further staff members that have exhibited any concerning symptoms have been isolated and tested. We have thoroughly sanitized over the weekend and continue to do so. We have also taken more precautions segregating within the hospital. Rest assured, we are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe so that we can stay open and be here for your beloved pets.
In the meantime, we appreciate your continued patience, support, and well wishes as we navigate through this very difficult time. We will continue to update you with any more pertinent information. If you have an existing appointment and feel you’d like to reschedule or have any additional questions, please feel free to call, email, or use the Vet2Pet chat option.
Drs. Wendy and Tom Frankmann and the rest of your ACOC Team
11/8/2020
To All Clients of Animal Clinic of Chardon (ACOC),
On Saturday, we learned that a staff member has unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member has not been to work at ACOC since Wednesday. No other staff members have tested positive at this time, though a few more are showing signs of illness and are being tested and required to stay home.
We have been in contact with Geauga County Health authorities and are following all the guidelines they have provided. As an animal medical facility providing essential care to our patients, the CDC does not require our employees to quarantine due to exposure alone, though they are asked to stay home other than for work purposes. Only if symptoms develop or because of a positive test result will they not be permitted to work and must isolate at home.
Our entire staff is being screened daily for symptoms and with temperature checks. We have also performed a deep cleaning of the hospital and we continue to offer only curbside appointments where pet parents do not enter the building with their pets. We must be very strict about this, especially now.
We are in the process of working out a modified schedule that will permit us to continue providing care for your pets while reducing further exposure to Coronavirus. These changes will reduce the number of pets we can see over the next several weeks and will require us to prioritize according to need. Less urgent surgeries, medical and wellness appointments are the most likely to be affected and we will contact you directly if we must reschedule your pet’s appointment. However, if you have a scheduled appointment and wish to reschedule given the circumstances, please call us to do so.
Please be aware that we anticipate longer than usual phone call hold times and communication delays. We ask that you be patient with us, especially if you have a non-urgent need and consider postponing a call to us until we are more fully staffed. Continue to check our website (AnimalClinicOfChardon.com) and Facebook page for updates as well as information on additional ways to communicate with us. If you do not already have our app, download it now from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or visit our website for a link. We will use the app to send push notifications with up-to-date information and to communicate with you more efficiently. Our drive-thru remains open for medication and food pick-up.
We take the safety of our staff very seriously and promise to always put health and safety first, follow and exceed all CDC guidelines, and be upfront and honest with the community we serve.
Thank you for your continued support, understanding and most importantly patience as we navigate this most challenging time.
Drs. Wendy and Tom Frankmann and the rest of your ACOC Team
On Saturday, we learned that a staff member has unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member has not been to work at ACOC since Wednesday. No other staff members have tested positive at this time, though a few more are showing signs of illness and are being tested and required to stay home.
We have been in contact with Geauga County Health authorities and are following all the guidelines they have provided. As an animal medical facility providing essential care to our patients, the CDC does not require our employees to quarantine due to exposure alone, though they are asked to stay home other than for work purposes. Only if symptoms develop or because of a positive test result will they not be permitted to work and must isolate at home.
Our entire staff is being screened daily for symptoms and with temperature checks. We have also performed a deep cleaning of the hospital and we continue to offer only curbside appointments where pet parents do not enter the building with their pets. We must be very strict about this, especially now.
We are in the process of working out a modified schedule that will permit us to continue providing care for your pets while reducing further exposure to Coronavirus. These changes will reduce the number of pets we can see over the next several weeks and will require us to prioritize according to need. Less urgent surgeries, medical and wellness appointments are the most likely to be affected and we will contact you directly if we must reschedule your pet’s appointment. However, if you have a scheduled appointment and wish to reschedule given the circumstances, please call us to do so.
Please be aware that we anticipate longer than usual phone call hold times and communication delays. We ask that you be patient with us, especially if you have a non-urgent need and consider postponing a call to us until we are more fully staffed. Continue to check our website (AnimalClinicOfChardon.com) and Facebook page for updates as well as information on additional ways to communicate with us. If you do not already have our app, download it now from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or visit our website for a link. We will use the app to send push notifications with up-to-date information and to communicate with you more efficiently. Our drive-thru remains open for medication and food pick-up.
We take the safety of our staff very seriously and promise to always put health and safety first, follow and exceed all CDC guidelines, and be upfront and honest with the community we serve.
Thank you for your continued support, understanding and most importantly patience as we navigate this most challenging time.
Drs. Wendy and Tom Frankmann and the rest of your ACOC Team
10/19/2020
Dear Friends of ACOC:
You may or may not know that one of our CORE VALUES is VOICE. What does this mean? It means that we use our voice for pets, people, and each other. We advocate for our patients that do not have a voice and we are committed to educating you, our clients, so you can better help your beloved pets. It also means that we care enough to have conversations with each other in a respectful, open, and positive way (see our website for more about our core values).
Why am I sharing this with all of you? It is because along with helping you help your pets; we are also all about keeping you informed on the how and why we do things here at ACOC. This includes keeping you abreast of our current plans surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope the following information helps answer some of your questions and puts your minds a bit more at ease.
Why are you still not allowing clients in the building?
Quite frankly because it is working for us. We have been able to stay healthy, open, and available for you and your pet’s needs. We understand that other places have “opened up”. We understand your frustration not being able to accompany your pet inside. We also understand that given the rising infection rates and the approaching cooler weather and flu season, we are at greater risk of becoming infected. Simply put, mitigating this risk is essential for us to stay open and here for you.
Do you make any exceptions?
Yes, we allow you and one other person to accompany your pet into the building should the unfortunate need arise for an end-of-life exam and letting go process (euthanasia). Additionally, there are pets with extreme anxiety that cannot be effectively managed without one pet parent accompanying them. Finally, emergent situations where a pet is presented in critical condition, we will allow up to two people into the building to wait or be present depending on the circumstance.
I really want to be part of my pet’s exam, what options do I have?
Let’s Facetime or Google Duo! If you let us know, we will be sure to make this happen. Note that this works best when you test things out at home, especially if you’ve never used these features. For Android users – please download the Google Duo app at home and have it ready! When you arrive, be sure you are connected to cellular and not Wi-Fi as this interferes with the process. It also helps if background noise is kept to a minimum.
Do you have a date or plans to allow clients into the building?
No, we do not have an exact date. We’ve chosen not to pick one because we haven’t felt completely certain enough to do so. And, yes, we have plans that are in place for when we do feel we can safely open our doors to all of you. When this time comes, we will be sure to alert everyone of the process and what to expect. Also, worth noting here, once we do open, the process will take even longer than now with all the safety guidelines we will have to adhere. This means less appointments available and less patients we can safely treat.
What are your criteria to feel safe enough?
We continually monitor the situation locally and nationally. We refer to reputable resources. This includes the Center for Disease Control, Harvard Global Health Institute, Stanford Medicine Clinical Research Center, and Georgetown University Medical Center. We are looking for sustained (7 day) average daily number of new cases less than 10/100,000 and less than a 10% positivity rate for a seven-day period. We are looking at Ohio numbers and surrounding county numbers. We do have many clients traveling from counties outside of Geauga. We also want to see numbers falling, not rising. And this is not the case currently. So, basically, it is a bit of a wait and see approach but based heavily on data and predictions by experts in the field of epidemiology, public health, and infectious disease.
We know this continues to be a stressful time, but please believe that we are always acting in the best interest of you, your pets, and each other. Before concluding, we also want to assure you when your pets enter the building without you, we treat each one as if our own – giving lots of love, hugs, and treats. Check out our Facebook page where you can see many ACOC behind- the-scenes pics and videos!
Stay healthy, stay pawsitive and keep your heads up and tails wagging.
Drs. Tom and Wendy Frankmann and the entire ACOC Team
You may or may not know that one of our CORE VALUES is VOICE. What does this mean? It means that we use our voice for pets, people, and each other. We advocate for our patients that do not have a voice and we are committed to educating you, our clients, so you can better help your beloved pets. It also means that we care enough to have conversations with each other in a respectful, open, and positive way (see our website for more about our core values).
Why am I sharing this with all of you? It is because along with helping you help your pets; we are also all about keeping you informed on the how and why we do things here at ACOC. This includes keeping you abreast of our current plans surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope the following information helps answer some of your questions and puts your minds a bit more at ease.
Why are you still not allowing clients in the building?
Quite frankly because it is working for us. We have been able to stay healthy, open, and available for you and your pet’s needs. We understand that other places have “opened up”. We understand your frustration not being able to accompany your pet inside. We also understand that given the rising infection rates and the approaching cooler weather and flu season, we are at greater risk of becoming infected. Simply put, mitigating this risk is essential for us to stay open and here for you.
Do you make any exceptions?
Yes, we allow you and one other person to accompany your pet into the building should the unfortunate need arise for an end-of-life exam and letting go process (euthanasia). Additionally, there are pets with extreme anxiety that cannot be effectively managed without one pet parent accompanying them. Finally, emergent situations where a pet is presented in critical condition, we will allow up to two people into the building to wait or be present depending on the circumstance.
I really want to be part of my pet’s exam, what options do I have?
Let’s Facetime or Google Duo! If you let us know, we will be sure to make this happen. Note that this works best when you test things out at home, especially if you’ve never used these features. For Android users – please download the Google Duo app at home and have it ready! When you arrive, be sure you are connected to cellular and not Wi-Fi as this interferes with the process. It also helps if background noise is kept to a minimum.
Do you have a date or plans to allow clients into the building?
No, we do not have an exact date. We’ve chosen not to pick one because we haven’t felt completely certain enough to do so. And, yes, we have plans that are in place for when we do feel we can safely open our doors to all of you. When this time comes, we will be sure to alert everyone of the process and what to expect. Also, worth noting here, once we do open, the process will take even longer than now with all the safety guidelines we will have to adhere. This means less appointments available and less patients we can safely treat.
What are your criteria to feel safe enough?
We continually monitor the situation locally and nationally. We refer to reputable resources. This includes the Center for Disease Control, Harvard Global Health Institute, Stanford Medicine Clinical Research Center, and Georgetown University Medical Center. We are looking for sustained (7 day) average daily number of new cases less than 10/100,000 and less than a 10% positivity rate for a seven-day period. We are looking at Ohio numbers and surrounding county numbers. We do have many clients traveling from counties outside of Geauga. We also want to see numbers falling, not rising. And this is not the case currently. So, basically, it is a bit of a wait and see approach but based heavily on data and predictions by experts in the field of epidemiology, public health, and infectious disease.
We know this continues to be a stressful time, but please believe that we are always acting in the best interest of you, your pets, and each other. Before concluding, we also want to assure you when your pets enter the building without you, we treat each one as if our own – giving lots of love, hugs, and treats. Check out our Facebook page where you can see many ACOC behind- the-scenes pics and videos!
Stay healthy, stay pawsitive and keep your heads up and tails wagging.
Drs. Tom and Wendy Frankmann and the entire ACOC Team
| PDF Version |
7/17/2020
6/19/2020
5/26/2020
|
Our app now has a chat feature!
Have a question? Arrived at our parking lot for an appointment? Send us a chat on our app! |
5/17/2020
We have resumed our normal business hours.
Mon & Wed 8 am - 8 pm
Tues, Thurs & Fri 8 am - 6 pm
Sat 8 am - 3 pm
Sun Closed
Our lobby remains closed and we expect to continue our curbside service until at least June 1st.
Mon & Wed 8 am - 8 pm
Tues, Thurs & Fri 8 am - 6 pm
Sat 8 am - 3 pm
Sun Closed
Our lobby remains closed and we expect to continue our curbside service until at least June 1st.
4/30/2020
We have some new updates we’d like to share with you. The Animal Clinic of Chardon is now available for all procedures. This includes vaccinations, preventative examinations, nail trims, and elective surgeries.
Our lobby remains closed and we expect to continue our curbside service until at least June 1st. We are working on plans to eventually allow clients in to the building, but only when it can be done safely. Stay tuned!
We plan on returning to pre-COVID business hours mid-May; however, this is subject to change.
Thank you!
Our lobby remains closed and we expect to continue our curbside service until at least June 1st. We are working on plans to eventually allow clients in to the building, but only when it can be done safely. Stay tuned!
We plan on returning to pre-COVID business hours mid-May; however, this is subject to change.
Thank you!
4/22/2020
Hello everyone!
We have some updates to share with you. Beginning on Monday, April 27th, we are extending our hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Our new hours will be: Mon & Wed 8 am – 7 pm, Tues, Thurs & Fri 8 am – 6 pm, and Sat 8 am – 2 pm.
Our lobby will remain closed until at least June 1st. During this time we will continue our curbside service.
Boarding will remain closed until at least June 1st.
We have a favor to ask...our parking lot has been filled with pets awaiting their appointments. Please use extra caution and slow speed while using our drive-thru, especially while circling the building.
Most importantly, we are here to take care of your furry kids. Thank you for your continued trust!
We have some updates to share with you. Beginning on Monday, April 27th, we are extending our hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Our new hours will be: Mon & Wed 8 am – 7 pm, Tues, Thurs & Fri 8 am – 6 pm, and Sat 8 am – 2 pm.
Our lobby will remain closed until at least June 1st. During this time we will continue our curbside service.
Boarding will remain closed until at least June 1st.
We have a favor to ask...our parking lot has been filled with pets awaiting their appointments. Please use extra caution and slow speed while using our drive-thru, especially while circling the building.
Most importantly, we are here to take care of your furry kids. Thank you for your continued trust!
4/6/2020
Our curbside appointment drop off process has changed to having you place your pet securely in our entrance vestibule. Please call first upon arrival for further instructions regarding this process.
If your pet is allowed treats, please bring some to give during this process. If your pet is overly anxious or fearful, please let us know so we can address these concerns ahead of time. One last reminder that cats must be in carriers. If you do not have one, you may purchase a cardboard carrier at our drive-thru window.
If your pet is allowed treats, please bring some to give during this process. If your pet is overly anxious or fearful, please let us know so we can address these concerns ahead of time. One last reminder that cats must be in carriers. If you do not have one, you may purchase a cardboard carrier at our drive-thru window.
3/25/2020
As a reminder, our lobby remains closed at this time. Please use our drive-thru for all medication & food pick-ups and for specimen drop-offs. For appointments, please remain in your vehicle and call us upon your arrival. We will come out to get your pet. All dogs must be leashed & cats must be in a carrier before we meet you at your vehicle.
If you do not have a cat carrier, we have cardboard ones available for purchase for $13. Please stop at the drive-thru to purchase prior to your appointment.
Thank you,
Your ACOC Team
If you do not have a cat carrier, we have cardboard ones available for purchase for $13. Please stop at the drive-thru to purchase prior to your appointment.
Thank you,
Your ACOC Team
3/22/2020
We want to reassure you that we are considered an essential business and will continue to care for your pets during these unprecedented times. We are asking everyone to limit appointments to essential medical and time sensitive issues. If you wish to cancel your upcoming appointment, we ask that you call us ASAP and leave a voicemail message. Thank you and stay safe!
3/19/2020
In effort to keep our doors open we are making the following protocol changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective Thursday, March 19 @ 2:00 pm, only hospital personnel will be allowed in our hospital. Once you arrive at the clinic please give us a call 440-285-9191. Then one of our team members will come & get your pet. Communication about your pet's health, our findings, & payment (please have credit card ready) will be also over the phone. All cat's MUST be in a carrier, & we will use OUR leash for dogs. Please follow our Facebook page or visit our website to stay up to date with all future protocol changes. Thank you for your patience & understanding throughout this pandemic.
3/17/2020
3/12/2020
Dear Valued Clients,
Yes, this is one more letter to read about Coronavirus, however as one of your (nonhuman) medical providers we feel it important to take some precautionary measures and provide you with some additional information regarding COVID-19 and animals.
While Animal Clinic of Chardon (ACOC) is operating as normal, we are monitoring the situation closely and have developed some precautionary measures to limit exposure:
Regarding Animals:
Your Friends at Animal Clinic of Chardon
Yes, this is one more letter to read about Coronavirus, however as one of your (nonhuman) medical providers we feel it important to take some precautionary measures and provide you with some additional information regarding COVID-19 and animals.
While Animal Clinic of Chardon (ACOC) is operating as normal, we are monitoring the situation closely and have developed some precautionary measures to limit exposure:
- We are asking that if you feel unwell, have flu-like symptoms, have been in contact with anyone sick or unwell, or if you have traveled or been in contact with anyone who has traveled abroad in the past two weeks, to post-pone or reschedule appointments with our hospital.
- ACOC has an on-line pharmacy where your pet’s medications and food are available for home delivery. Here is the link: https://animalclinicofchardon.securevetsource.com/site/view/HomeDelivery.pml
- If you prefer to wait in your car until your appointment time, you may do so, and we will call or text you when we are ready to take you and your pet directly to an exam room. Just let us know!
- ACOC is following CDC Workplace and American Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines. We have increased our cleaning protocols, provided public access to hand sanitizer and tissue, posted signs, and made proper handwashing after each contact with an animal and/or client mandatory for our team.
- More info on control and prevention of COVID-19 can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
Regarding Animals:
- “Out of an abundance of caution, it is recommended that those ill with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. Have another member of your household take care of walking, feeding, and playing with your pet. If you have a service animal or you must care for your pet, then wear a facemask; don’t share food, kiss, or hug them; and wash your hands before and after any contact with them; and wash your hands before and after any contact with your pet or service animal.” ( https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19 )
- For more about the dog that tested “weak positive” in Hong Kong, follow the link above. While the good practices mentioned above are recommended, it is important to remember that there is currently no evidence that pets can spread COVID-19 to other animals, including people. We are staying on top of any more information regarding this and will be certain to keep you informed.
- Just like you would do for yourself and your family, emergency preparation for your pet’s care is also important. An emergency kit, extra food, and medication refills for your pet should be prepared now.
Your Friends at Animal Clinic of Chardon
