5 Vet Services Not Available During Coronavirus Restrictions

Accessing veterinary care is essential when our beloved pets fall ill or are injured. However, during coronavirus social distancing restrictions in the UK, many veterinary services were significantly limited to protect public health and slow the virus spread.

This article outlines five veterinary services that were generally unavailable during social distancing restrictions, helping you understand what care is currently considered urgent and what must wait. We also cover how some vet services have adapted, with remote consultations helping bridge the gap during these times.

1. Neutering and Spaying Services

Neutering and spaying play a crucial role in controlling pet populations and preventing unwanted litters. Despite their importance, these procedures were classified as routine and preventative, meaning they were temporarily paused under social distancing rules unless there was an urgent medical reason.

Owners of unneutered pets should take extra care to prevent accidental mating during this period. This responsible management helps avoid unplanned litters and reduces stress on animal rehoming centres once restrictions lift.

2. Pet Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations, including primary shots and boosters, were generally deferred as they are preventative rather than emergency procedures. For puppies and kittens, this delay meant extended periods indoors to reduce the risk of exposure to infectious diseases until vaccination schedules resumed.

Veterinary guidance advised owners to stay in contact with their vet to schedule vaccinations promptly once it was safe to do so. This measure balanced the risk of virus transmission with the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases in young pets.

3. Routine Dental Procedures

Preventative dental care, such as sedated teeth cleaning and minor dental treatments, was postponed. Treatment was reserved for urgent cases where pain or infection threatened the pet’s wellbeing, such as active dental abscesses or broken teeth causing clinical signs.

Good home dental care, including regular tooth brushing and dental chews, became especially vital during this period to maintain oral health until professional treatment was available again.

4. Nail Clipping and Anal Gland Expression

These grooming-related services, often undertaken in nurse clinics, were considered non-essential maintenance and were suspended. However, if your pet experienced pain, such as nails growing into their paw pads or anal gland impaction causing discomfort, these issues were treated as essential and received veterinary attention.

Monitoring your pet carefully and seeking advice if you notice signs of pain or infection is crucial to prevent complications.

5. Weight Clinics and Routine Monitoring

Scheduled weight clinics and other routine monitoring appointments that do not address acute health issues were generally deferred to minimise face-to-face contact. However, some clinics offered remote monitoring options. For example, if you can weigh your dog at home, you might discuss weight and nutrition goals in a phone or video consultation.

This remote approach allowed vets to continue supporting pets’ health while complying with social distancing rules.

Adaptations: Remote Consultations and Medication Access

Many veterinary practices adapted by offering remote consultations through phone or video calls. This included advice, triage, and prescription renewals, including flea and worm treatments, reducing the need for unnecessary clinic visits.

If you require medication for your pet during restrictions, contact your veterinary clinic to explore options for electronic or postal prescriptions to maintain your pet’s preventive care safely.

Always ensure you obtain veterinary advice tailored to your pet’s specific needs and situations. Responsible pet ownership remains paramount, especially during challenging times.

Frequently Asked Question: Can I still see a vet during the coronavirus restrictions?

Quick Answer: Yes, emergency and essential veterinary care continues, but routine and non-urgent services are often deferred to reduce COVID-19 transmission risk.

During the height of coronavirus social distancing in the UK, veterinary surgeries remained open for urgent cases such as injuries, pain relief, and preventing suffering. Non-essential services like vaccinations, neutering, dental cleanings, grooming, and routine health checks were paused or postponed, but many vets offered remote consultations to provide advice and manage ongoing care.

Always contact your vet first to discuss your pet’s condition and get guidance on the appropriate next steps. Vets continue to prioritise animal welfare under strict social distancing and hygiene protocols.

Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership

While restrictions limit some veterinary services, pet owners can support their pet’s health through attentive home care, monitoring for signs of distress or illness, and maintaining regular communication with their vet.

When considering new pets, consult with reputable breeders or adoption centres, and plan for their long-term health needs, including vaccinations and neutering, once restrictions ease. This responsible approach benefits pets, owners, and the wider community.