As we head into April, we would like to take a moment to thank our wonderful clients who have been so understanding with our new normal. We miss shaking hands with new clients and hugging our long time clients who have turned into family for us. We doctors miss having you there while we examine your pet and describe what we see and feel. Our staff misses seeing clients that stop by to pick up medications and chat about their pets. Please understand that this is just as difficult for us as it is for you. 
We are trying our absolute hardest to keep ourselves well so we can continue to care for your beloved pets. We also want to protect the many people we come in contact with during the course of a work day. 
We have divided our team into groups so that there is minimal staff interactions or cross over between groups. As such, if your on hold time is longer than expected or you have to leave a message, just know it is because we are helping another client just like you and we will get back to you as soon as we are done. We have also temporarily modified our hours to ensure adequate staffing. We want to get back to normal as soon as possible and will continue to update our website and social media to keep you informed. 
Our curbside service allows you to bring your pet in for their urgent needs while limiting person-to-person interaction. Our online fillable form allows you to provide us a history to go with your pet's exam. You can also pick up medication or pet food by calling us from the parking lot and we will bring it to you. 

In addition, we have launched our own online pharmacy to allow you to order medications & pet food online (while still supporting our small business). Did you know that most manufacturers do not sell directly to online pharmacies? This is especially true for prescription medications, so they must get redirected product which may or may not have been stored properly or be legitimate. See this FDA alert for more information about shopping online. Our online pharmacy products are provided directly by the manufacturer and have their full guarantee. Prescription pet food maintains it flavor guarantee and can be returned if your pet doesn't like it. There are also many options for free shipping. 
Furthermore, we have some telemedicine options available when appropriate. If you think this may be appropriate for your pet, please contact us. 
Ultimately, we hope that you are enjoying having your pet as your coworker as you shelter safely in place, or that your pet is there to comfort you after a hard day work. Cats on keyboards and noses nudging elbows don't always make us the most productive, but they sure do make life more entertaining and keep us smiling during what is otherwise a difficult time.
We know that we will get through this together. ​
Sincerely, 
​The Rancho San Carlos Team

Dear Rancho San Carlos Family, 
Starting tomorrow, Wednesday March 18th, we'll be starting mandatory curbside service to comply with the latest safety guidelines. Business hours will remain unchanged during this time.

Here's how it'll work:
1.    Call from the parking lot when you arrive for your appointment, do not enter the lobby unless specifically instructed to do so
2.    One of our staff members will discuss your pet’s case over the phone and then come to your car to gather your pet

• Dogs will be leashed using our safety slip leashes or can arrive in carriers if small
• All cats will need to be delivered in carriers  
• All birds need to be in carriers/cages

3.    Carriers will be sanitized upon entry to the clinic
4.    Your pet will be evaluated by our team inside the hospital and you'll then be contacted regarding any significant exam findings, recommendations, and/or treatment options
5.    You may stay in the parking lot for the duration of your visit, or leave and return when your pet is ready
6.    Checkout will be handled over the phone
7.    Carriers will again be sanitized upon exit from the clinic
8.   A staff member will return your pet to your vehicle when you are ready to receive them

Unfortunately, during this time house calls will be suspended, with in-home euthanasia being a special accommodation.   

Should your pet have special needs that require you to be with them, we ask that only one healthy person accompany your pet’s visit, and that this has been discussed ahead of time with clinic staff.

Of course, please call us to discuss should you require any special accommodations.  We're here to help ensure that everyone remains safe and satisfied with their care.

Thank you so very much for your help and understanding during this difficult time,
The Rancho San Carlos Team

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Q: Can I still bring my pet to the vet?
A: If you are healthy, there is no reason you should not bring your pet in as planned. During times like this, preventative medicine is more important than ever. Keeping ourselves and our pets healthy through proactive care ensures we are in the best shape to fight off disease. We also want to ensure we manage existing disease and treat new problems quickly. If you are not healthy, or believe you have been exposed to COVID 19, please call prior to coming inside. 

Q: If I am sick, and my pet is sick, what should I do? 
A: We will accommodate you to the best of our ability. It may be appropriate for you to wait in your car for your appointment while your pet comes inside, or instead drop off your pet for a few hours and pick up later. We can review your pet's history via phone, take your pet from you in the parking lot, and phone later to review the exam findings and treatment recommendations. We may be able to accommodate house calls, medication delivery, and/or telemedicine.

Q: Does COVID 19 affect pets? 
A: Most likely no. This disease is either predominantly human or purely human, and which one is still under investigation. There is currently no evidence that our pets would become sick or spread the disease if exposed.

Q: Should I be worried about catching COVID 19 from my dog or cat?
A: No. While we are still figuring out if your pet can catch it from you, this is a disease that is spread people-to-people. Your pet can act as a contaminated surface. 

Q: Where can I look for more information? 
A: 

• The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• The San Diego County Website
• The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
• Check our our infographic below: