Preventative Procedures Protect Patients And Pets
Current Events, Jerk, Patients, Pennsylvania, USA, Vet | Healthy | May 14, 2020
Because of the recent health crisis, our vet has decided not to allow people in the building. This is made clear when you make the appointment. You call to say you’ve arrived and someone comes out to take your pet. Then, the vet calls to discuss the visit and payment is taken when your pet is returned. It’s extra work and wait time, but I understand their caution.
I am waiting in my car for my vet to run my bank card when a woman pulls up and gets out of her car. She has a small dog in a blanket in her arms. She approaches the door and pushes, but it is locked. She looks through the window, knocks, and then steps back. I think that is when she notices the sign on the door, explaining the new procedure. The woman takes a picture of the sign using her phone camera and then knocks again, harder this time.
Finally, the receptionist comes to the door. Before unlocking it, the receptionist pulls her mask over her face. The woman on the outside — who is not wearing a mask — rolls her eyes and twirls her free hand in a “hurry up” motion.
Receptionist: “Yes, ma’am?”
Woman: “We have an appointment.”
She tries to push the door open but the receptionist holds her ground.
Receptionist: “Okay, I’ll get your paperwork together if you’ll just head back to your vehicle and—”
Woman: “No, just move. This is ridiculous.”
Receptionist: “I know it’s strange, but we have adapted a new protocol because of—”
Woman: “I don’t care. You can’t deny me entry when you’re expecting me.” *Pushes again* “Move!”
The receptionist does not move but pushes the door shut and locks it. The woman pounds on the glass so hard it shakes. A moment later, the receptionist returns with the vet. This time they do not unlock the door.
Woman: “Finally! This girl won’t let me in!”
Vet: “I am sorry, but we cannot allow you in the building.”
Woman: “This is illegal!”
Vet: “No, ma’am, I assure you it’s not.”
Woman: “How can you do this?”
The vet explains how things are currently being run.
Woman: *With her nose in the air* “Well, I’ll just go to another vet!”
Vet: “Have your new veterinarian call me for your dog’s medical history.”
The vet and receptionist walk away, leaving the woman fuming at the door. She stands there for a little while before getting back in her car and driving off. The receptionist then comes out with my bank card and receipt.
Receptionist: “Hi, sorry for the wait. I was coming out to you before… but… that woman…”
Me: “Totally understandable. I wouldn’t have come out, either.”
I don’t know what happened with that woman, but I do know that every vet office in the area is run by the same medical staff and operating under the same protocol.
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