Update 20th December 2021
New COVID protocols now in place at our surgeries
In line with Government guidelines, we’ve updated the COVID protocols at our surgeries to help protect the safety and wellbeing of our clients and staff. Please see details below – these new measures will be in place with immediate effect:
- Only one client is allowed per appointment (euthanasia appointments are exempt from this rule).
- Face masks must be worn at all times – for those clients who are exempt from wearing a face mask, consultations will be carried out in either the waiting area or the car park.
- Our surgeries have ventilation systems in place and doors to the consult rooms are left open between consultations.
- Please ensure you use the provided hand sanitisers BEFORE handling the card machines.
Thank you for helping us all to stay safe during this time so that we can continue to deliver accessible veterinary care for the pets that need it.
Update 26th March 2021
Services resuming from 29th March 2021
As the COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift we’re pleased to be able to offer some of the routine services we have had to previously delay due to the lockdown.
This means that we will be able to welcome back patients to all Animal Trust surgeries who require;
- Annual Booster vaccinations
- Kennel Cough vaccinations
- Collection of medication
From 12th April nail clippings with a nurse and hip scoring services will resume.
Neutering and dental procedures will continue to operate as normal and we will be able to extend those services to new patients again. In line with the measures still in place, we won’t be resuming health check services at this time.
As always to keep everyone safe, owners and pets attending our surgeries will need to maintain social distancing, wear a face mask/covering and our one person per pet policy remains in place.
For those owners who need to shield during this time, our virtual consultation services will continue to be available, along with our free web-chat service. Repeat medication can be ordered online with the option of this being posted if needed.
Our Bolton, Dewsbury, Ellesmere Port, and Shrewsbury surgeries remain operational 24/7, and all other surgeries work their normal hours. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support and co-operation during this time – it all helps our dedicated team to continue providing the best access to good care.
Update 14th January 2021
We want to reassure you that all Animal Trust surgeries continue to be here to care for sick pets and for some non-sick pet care where there is a welfare impact of not doing it.
We are making some changes to our services meaning we are delaying some routine and minor procedures until after the lockdown, including
- Nail clipping
- Travel certificates
- De-matt procedures
- Annual Booster Vaccinations for Cats / Dogs unless currently overdue so that the last vaccine was 14 months or more
We are currently continuing neutering procedures, given the welfare impact of unwanted pregnancy, but due to our surgical capacity, we can only offer this to clients who were already registered with Animal Trust at the start of lockdown.
Our virtual consultation services will continue to be available throughout this time, along with our free web chat service. Repeat medication can be ordered online and we will be posting all non-urgent medications.
Our Bolton, Dewsbury, Ellesmere Port, and Shrewsbury surgeries remain operational 24/7, and all other surgeries work their normal hours.
For owners and pets attending our surgeries, social distancing measures remain in place, along with our one person per pet policy and the need to wear a face mask/covering. You will not normally be able to enter the consultation room and may need to wait outside the building if the waiting room or reception has reached capacity for social distancing.
Thank you again for your continued support and co-operation during this time – it all helps our dedicated team to continue providing the best access to good care.
Update 4th November 2020
As we enter a 2nd national lockdown we want to assure you that all Animal Trust surgeries will continue to be here to care for sick pets.
We are pleased to share that there are only minor changes to our services, meaning that our teams of vets, nurses, and support staff will continue to be here for patients to provide around the clock care when it’s needed.
In line with current guidelines, and where delaying won’t cause distress to the pet the minor procedures that will need to be postponed at his time are;
- Nail clipping
- Anal gland expressions
- De-matt procedures
- Hip and Elbow Scoring
- Puppy/kitten well pet checks (including by phone)
As always, our priority is the welfare of our patients and our virtual consultation services will continue to be available throughout this time, along with our free web chat service. Repeat medication can be ordered online and we will be posting all non-urgent prescriptions.
In the case of an emergency, our Bolton, Dewsbury and Ellesmere Port surgeries remain operational 24/7.
We are also anticipating high call volumes in the coming weeks and we would politely ask that online booking is utilised where possible. For owners and pets attending our surgeries, social distancing measures remain in place, along with our one person per pet policy and the need to ear a face mask/covering.
Thank you again for your continued support and co-operation during this time – it all helps our dedicated team to continue providing the best access to good care.
Update 23rd October 2020
At Animal Trust and during the changing scene of COVID-19 we continue to prioritize the welfare of our staff, client’s and patients.
Due to the latest Welsh National Lockdown measures between Saturday 24th October – Sunday 8th November there are some changes being made to how our Wrexham surgery will operate.
In line with guidelines, we are postponing some routine services and during these 2 weeks we won’t be able to offer the following;
- 1st vaccines, unless completing the course or there is a high risk if the course is not started
- Booster vaccinations
- Nail clips
- Routine neutering
- Scale and Polish dentistry
Urgent medication which is needed within a 7 day period can be collected directly from the surgery. For routine or non-urgent medication this will be posted to you (a charge of £5 applies).
For owners with a concern for their pet, but the situation isn’t urgent we have our virtual consultation services available, along with our webchat platform and telephone services.
To understand when to seek care from an emergency vet, read our advice. Outside of Wrexham’s opening hours, our Ellesmere Port surgery is operational 24/7.
We thank you for your continued support and want to assure you that during this time we are still here to provide you and your pet with the best access to good care when it may be needed the most.
We wish you well, please stay safe and we look forward to welcoming you back again fully to your Wrexham surgery very soon.
Update 25th June 2020
We’re delighted that online booking is now open for Animal Trust Tingley.
The surgery will officially be open to welcoming patients again from Wednesday 1st July. Animal Trust Dewsbury, our nearby 24/7 surgery continues to operate as normal.
Like all Animal Trust surgeries at this time, Tingley will continue to practice social distancing rules, which include;
- On arrival at the surgery for your appointment, please book yourself in with the team.
- Remain inside your car or stand outside the surgery while you wait for the vet to collect you and your pet. If other owners are around the exterior of the surgery, please keep your distance.
- Upon entering you will be directed to one of our hand-washing stations. Hand sanitiser will also be available.
- If you are arriving at the surgery to collect any urgent medication for your pet, please knock on the door to let the team know you are there. They will then bring your medication out to you.
Once again, we thank you for your continued support and cooperation during this time. Any further updates in regard to our services will be posted here.
Update 22nd May 2020
We are continuing to monitor the ever-changing scene of COVID-19 and our priority of safeguarding our patient’s welfare remains. With this, from Wednesday 27th May we will be able to support you and your pet by providing;
- All dog vaccinations
- All cat vaccinations
- All rabbit vaccinations
To help support those pets whose vaccines have previously had to be delayed due to the COVID-19 restrictions, we will be prioritising those where possible. To help support this we politely ask that if your pet’s vaccination is only just due that you delay this for 1 month.
Vaccination appointments are now available to book online at all Animal Trust surgeries (please note; Animal Trust Leeds continues to operate from our Dewsbury surgery at this time). Consultations with our vets remain free of charge and you check the cost of vaccinations here.
Our vet video consultation service continues to be operational and we also now have the option to book a vet phone call. Both are suitable if you have a concern about your pet but their condition isn’t an emergency. Supplement charges apply for our virtual services.
Social distancing rules as outlined in previous COVID-19 updates remain in place at all of our surgeries and we ask that you please comply when visiting us.
Once again, we thank you for your continued support and cooperation during this time. Please continue to stay safe, well and at home where possible, but know if you do need us, we are here to provide you and your pet with the best access to good care.
Update 20th April 2020
We are continuing to monitor the changing scene of COVID-19 closely and the welfare of our clients, patients and staff remains our priority.
With this, our Birkenhead surgery is now re-open to provide local care to safeguard patients welfare. Like all Animal Trust surgeries at this time, Birkenhead will continue to practice social distancing rules, which include;
- On arrival at the surgery for your appointment, please knock on the door of the surgery to book yourself in with the team.
- Remain inside your car or stand outside the surgery while you wait for the vet to collect you and your pet. If other owners are around the exterior of the surgery, please keep your distance.
- Upon entering our surgeries you will be directed to one of our hand-washing stations. Hand sanitiser will also be available.
- If you are arriving at the surgery to collect any urgent medication for your pet, please knock on the door to let the team know you are there. They will then bring your medication out to you.
Once again, we thank you for your continued support and cooperation during this time. Any further updates in regard to our services will be posted here.
Update 14th April 2020
Our priority at Animal Trust is safeguarding our patients’ welfare, our staff and clients safety. That means, wherever possible, you should be staying at home and not attending the surgery.
Due to the lockdown being likely to continue for the foreseeable future, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and BVA has updated guidance on when it may be suitable to attend the veterinary surgery.
To safeguard our patient’s welfare in this crisis we will be providing medical procedures and surgical care for all conditions unless it can be delayed for 2 months without a significant welfare impact. This means that we will be doing more procedures and operations than in recent weeks.
This is not, however, a return to normal service and the majority of the services we will offer at this time remain for sick and injured pets. However, there are limited other services where there may be a strong welfare benefit for the pet not delaying a procedure — this means that unlike recent weeks we may be able to assist our clients with:
- Puppy and Kitten Vaccinations
- Rabbit vaccinations
- Dog boosters if the dog is regularly exposed to outdoor water
- Neutering of cats that go outdoors
- Neutering of dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals where they live with an un-neutered companion of the opposite sex
However, these will not be appropriate for all cases if the vet considers there is not a welfare benefit or it is not safe to perform the procedure for another reason. Please call your surgery to enquire if you have any questions.
We continue to offer online consultation and remote prescribing services to allow pets to obtain veterinary care without attendance at the surgery in many cases and allowing you and your pet to stay at home.
We have modified how our surgeries work and our teams are working tirelessly to look after our patients around the clock. If you do attend the surgery we thank you for complying with our social distancing requirements which are for your safety and the safety of our staff and must be followed at all times.
We’re here if you need us, but please keep safe, stay well and where possible stay at home.
Update 30th March 2020
We take the welfare of our clients, patients and staff seriously and are responding to the changing scene with COVID-19.
We are making temporary changes to our services to ensure we care for the sick and injured pets while helping with social distancing.
Online bookings:
We have temporarily postponed online bookings, except for online consultations, as face to face appointments are reserved for those pets who need to see a vet for urgent care.
To book an emergency appointment call your local Animal Trust surgery.
Vaccinations:
For puppies/kittens who began their first course of vaccinations prior to COVID-19, we will provide the 2nd vaccination to ensure this first course is complete. For other vaccines, we are requesting owners to delay the vaccination in accordance with current guidelines.
Video consultations:
We are delighted to now be able to offer vet video consultations that will provide professional veterinary support from the comfort and security of your home. This is suitable for those pets who would benefit from veterinary expertise, but not sick enough to warrant attending the surgery. Please click here for more information.
Temporary surgery operating hours:
From Monday 30th March Animal Trust Birkenhead services will run from our Ellesmere Port Surgery, and Animal Trust Leeds from our Dewsbury Surgery. All other surgeries are open as normal.
We’re also pleased to announce that from Monday 30th March our Blackburn and Wrexham surgeries will operate 7-days a week to reduce the amount of travel you need to do for urgent care.
Once again, we thank you for your continued support and cooperation during this time. Any further updates in regard to our services will be posted here.
Update 24th March 2020
Due to the on-going situation with COVID-19 and the recent announcement of additional restrictions we are continuing to work hard to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our clients, patients and staff.
With this, we will now be prioritising the treatment of sick and injured animals as all Animal Trust surgeries move toward providing a service for urgent cases only. This is in order to minimise the number of people who need to visit the surgery.
These changes mean that we are still here to provide around the clock care to pets who need urgent and emergency care.
Consultations: All sick and injured pet consultations will continue where the pet needs to attend a vet. We are also in a position to welcome patients who would usually attend other veterinary surgeries for urgent care appointments during this time.
To help with understanding if your pet is need of an emergency appointment read our advice;
To allow time in-between clients and patients all urgent consultations will be extended to 15 minutes with a vet.
Vaccinations: All vaccinations will be postponed during this time. Exceptions are where a vet has assessed the need for a vaccination due to disease control.
If these changes mean a puppy/kitten is unable to complete the course of vaccinations, they will be re-started free of charge when appropriate to start vaccinating again.
Neutering: Neutering procedures are not appropriate except in rare circumstances where a vet decides the procedure should go ahead when in the interest of welfare or medical need.
Repeats of medication: If your pet is in need of repeat medication please either use our online prescription service where possible or order via your local Animal Trust surgery over the telephone — please don’t attend the surgery to order medication.
All medications (with the exception of refrigerated items) will now be posted to you and due to the extra time, this needs please give 7 days notice when ordering your repeats.
Payment will be taken by phone once the medication is approved by the vet. There is a small postage and packing fee.
Food: This should now be ordered online where it will be delivered directly to your door. We are unable to allow collection from the surgery.
Waiting Room measures: To ensure your safety all clients who arrive in our waiting areas will politely be asked to wash their hands on arrival. At this time we can also only allow one person per pet to appointments and seating within our waiting room will be spaced out.
Emergencies: If you find yourself in an out-of-hours emergency with your pet rest assured that our teams at our Bolton, Dewsbury and Ellesmere Port surgeries will be available 24/7 to support you.
We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and any further updates in regard to our services and operating hours will be posted here.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and for your cooperation during this time. Stay safe and well.
Update 17th March 2020
The on-going situation with COVID-19 can be an uncertain time and we want to reassure everyone who attends an Animal Trust surgery that we are doing all we can to ensure that our clients, patients and staff are kept safe.
With this, we have put in some new measures for all clients when attending appointments at one of our surgeries;
- On arrival to one of our surgeries, all clients will politely be asked to wash their hands at one of our wash stations or visitor toilet.
- Where possible there should only be one owner visiting the surgery with a pet. Exceptions to this are clients who need another family with them for assistance and in cases of euthanasia.
- For clients who fall into a ‘high risk’ group, we will invite you to wait in your car or outside of the surgery until your appointment is due. All we ask is that you book in with reception first and then wait where you are most comfortable.
- If you are showing signs of a cough, fever or any other signs of upper respiratory infection we would politely ask that another family member attends with the patient.
We are monitoring the situation and any updates to our services or process will be published on social media and here on our website. All Animal Trust surgeries are currently operating a normal or near-normal service so our patients can access the care they need.
More information and assistance is available from the NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
