AS lockdown continues there has inevitably been confusion about which pets should and should not be taken to the vets.

This was not helped by a “TV vet” giving out advice earlier this week that completely contradicted all the advice from our governing bodies (the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Association).

These governing bodies advise that, at the current time, routine vaccinations (also known as boosters) do not constitute an emergency and cats and dogs should not be taken to the vets for these appointments.

All practising vets were following this advice so when a TV vet said this was not the case then veterinary practices were inundated with phone calls from clients to either get clarification on the situation or book appointments.

As I write this today the advice has not changed and currently (unless there are extraordinary circumstances, such as a cat or dog disease outbreak in your area) vets are not vaccinating animals.

Vaccines can safely and effectively be given a few weeks late so, as and when restrictions are relaxed, you can catch up with your pets’ boosters.

If you are unsure as to whether your pet’s illness constitutes an emergency then phone your practice and they can make an initial assessment over the phone – please remember to be patient, vets will be operating a skeleton staff to try and lessen the risk of COVID-19 spread – they will be there for you but getting through to them may take a bit longer than usual.

  • Alice Moore is a vet at The Southfield Veterinary Centre, South Walks, Dorchester