Non-urgent veterinary appointments on hold until alert levels reduce

According to the Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ) and the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA), Covid-19 restrictions have changed how animals, as well as people, receive healthcare.

“Under Alert Level 4 restrictions, veterinarians can only provide care that can’t be postponed,” says VCNZ’s veterinary advisor Dr Seton Butler. “As a result, non-urgent healthcare, routine vaccinations and regular checks need to be postponed until the situation changes.”

Butler says that if people follow Covid-19 rules and stay home, there should be no serious effects on their animal’s health by having routine procedures postponed by a few weeks.

“If you are concerned about delaying an appointment or unsure if your animal needs urgent veterinary care, you should always call your veterinary practice for advice.”

VCNZ and NZVA say they will review their advice as alert levels shift and will keep vets updated.