Along with our many veterinary colleagues in the community, we have faced unprecedented challenges in the last year and a half. There are many different types and sizes of veterinary clinics in our community and each one has had to adapt in their own way using protocols and procedures that work best for them and their clients.
McCauley Animal Clinic is six weeks into the transition of offering in clinic exam appointments (vs exclusively curbside service). Because we are a busy, multiple doctor practice with limited physical space, the management plan for the initial period of transition was to control chaos and strive for greatest efficiency by continuing the "call upon arrival" practice for all clients arriving for drop offs, exam and technician appointments, surgical patient discharges, and food and medicine pick ups. For the most part, operations have been very efficient and we've continued to work hard to accommodate client's requests and meet patient's needs. There have been times though that the volume of demand has been so high that our ability to answer client's phone calls has been overwhelming, and thus, some clients were having to make multiple attempts to contact staff via phone. This can be a very frustrating experience, and leave a client wondering, "what is going on in there?!" Therefore, we feel that now is the right time to make another step towards normalcy, and further improving service to our clients. Starting immediately, clients will NOT be required to call upon arrival to pick up food and medicine or check in for their surgical appointments and "in clinic" exam appointment. Clients opting for our curbside service will, of course, still call to check in. However, due to the limited number and constantly occupied exam rooms, technician appointments will still be on curbside service. Please understand that due to our very full schedule, allowing the majority of clients to just come on in upon arrival will likely create a very busy reception area. Despite this, we feel that being inside the clinic witnessing in person the activity will be less frustrating than waiting outside in bewilderment. Please be patient as we try to serve each client's needs in the reception area. It is still requested to please allow us 24-48 business hours to fill prescriptions, and still encouraged that food and prescriptions be paid for before arriving if at all possible. This will help make for a quicker and less congested pick up process for both clients and staff. In summary: No Call Necessary Upon Arrival: -In clinic exam appointments (still just one person please); Arrived earlier than 5min prior to your appt time? Please wait in your car before coming inside to check in to help alleviate congestion -Surgical and dental patient check-ins and discharges -Food and prescription pick ups Call to Check In and receive Curbside Service: -Technician appointments -"Drop Off" exams (at drop off and pick up)
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