!! IMPORTANT MESSAGE !!
We hope this message finds you
and your furry companions in good health. We are writing to inform you about a
critical situation that is currently affecting our veterinary profession and
may impact the level of service that will be available to you in certain
situations.
In the past few years, there has
become a shortage of veterinarians and veterinary staff available to handle the
increasing demand for our services. This shortage is a widespread issue
affecting veterinary clinics nationwide. As a result, we not only anticipate
challenges in maintaining our regular operations but want you to be aware of
the challenges you may face during emergency situations.
In an effort to continue offering
the best possible care for your pets, we will continue to prioritize our
current clients for wellness and minor illness appointments. As much as we
would love to help everyone, we must do what we feel is best for the health and
well-being of our staff. This is the only way to continue to provide quality
medicine to the patients already in our care and support those attending to
them.
Emergency cases may be diverted
to local Veterinary Emergency Rooms (ERs) that specialize in critical care and
hospitalization. However, it's important to note that these ERs are also
experiencing high demand and may be stretched thin. You may find them to be at
capacity or have long wait times. You may also find that you will have to call
multiple ER’s to find service.
To ensure the well-being of your
pets, we recommend the following:
1.
Emergency Preparedness: Familiarize yourself
with the location and contact information of nearby Emergency Rooms that can
provide critical care for your pets in case of emergencies. It has not been
uncommon for ER’s to go on “bypass” (meaning they have exceeded their patient
load) and send you to another ER facility.
We have provided a comprehensive list of surrounding
Veterinary ER’s here:
·
Mountain
View Animal Emergency – Hagerstown, MD 301-733-7339
·
Partner
Veterinary ER & Specialty Care – Frederick, MD 301-200-8185
·
CARE
Veterinary Center – Frederick, MD 301-662-2273
·
Vet
Urgency – Frederick, MD 301-288-8387
·
VCA
Metzger Animal Hospital – State College, PA 814-237-5333
·
Shores
Veterinary Emergency Center – Harrisburg, PA 717-798-8500
·
Rossmoyne
Animal Emergency Trauma Center – Mechanicsburg, PA 717-796-23374
·
CP
VETS (Central Pennsylvania Veterinary Emergency Treatment Services – State
College, PA 814-237-4670
·
Valley
Veterinary Emergency and Referral – Winchester, VA 540-662-7811
·
The
Life Center Emergency and Specialty – Leesburg, VA 703-777-5755
·
VRA -
Veterinary Referral Associates – Gaithersburg, MD 301-926-3300
2. Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups and vaccinations to address any
potential health issues proactively, reducing the likelihood of emergencies.
3. Communication: Stay informed about any updates or changes in our services by
checking our website (mcconnellsburgvet.com, social media channels (Facebook
and Instagram), or contacting our office directly (717-485-3552).
Your understanding and
cooperation during this challenging time are greatly appreciated. Our
commitment to the well-being of your pets remains unwavering, and we are
dedicated to providing the best care possible under these circumstances.
If you have any questions or
concerns, please feel free to contact our office. Thank you for entrusting us
with the care of your beloved pets.
Sincerely,
Dr. Johnson and the Staff of
McConnellsburg Veterinary Clinic