Vets, animal shelters say they’re expecting busy holiday season amid COVID-19

DELMARVA – Local veterinarians say the combination of dealing with COVID-19 and getting through a busy holiday season is creating a unique situation. Dr. Marianne Bailey at Queenstown Veterinary Hospital says this time of year, they usually see an increase in appointments after people get pets as gifts. “I think our staff is doing a great job of having that mindset of being grateful that we’re busy, being thankful that we’re open. We’re still able to do our jobs without clients coming in, although it’s not the same experience,” said Dr. Bailey.

Dr. Bailey says juggling the increase in appointments and safety precautions hasn’t been easy. Now pet owners wait in the car during appointments, and more are turning to telehealth appointments. So Dr. Bailey and her staff are using this as a learning experience. “We still have clients waiting in the parking lot, not in the room and not engaging in face to face conversations. Our doctors and staff are meeting next week to figure out how we bring that back,” said Dr. Bailey.

Meanwhile, local animal shelters say it’s a similar story. Director of Operations for Brandywine Valley SPCA Walt Fenstermacher says they’re also expecting a spike in business. “We often see folks add some new family members to their homes. So we have really good adoption numbers and success for both cats and for dogs during the holiday season,” said Fenstermacher.

Fenstermacher adds they’re also juggling COVID-19 safety precautions, like increased cleaning and social distancing. But they’re still serving animals in need, even across state lines. The Brandywine Valley SPCA is also assisting animal shelters down south, like in Texas and Louisiana, all while making sure animals in Delaware can get homes. “We’re able to help other shelters outside of our general area. We help animals that come from shelters where they are at risk of euthanasia,” said Fenstermacher.