How Coronavirus Is Affecting Veterinary Care in 2025

Coronavirus (Covid-19) continues to affect veterinary care across the UK in 2025, shaping how services are delivered to protect pets, their owners, and veterinary teams. While canine coronavirus and human Covid-19 are different viruses and do not cross species, human infections and public health measures impact veterinary clinics indirectly through operational challenges and safety protocols.

This article explores key ways veterinary care has adapted and what pet owners can expect when accessing care during the ongoing pandemic period.

1. Staffing and Service Availability May Vary

Veterinary clinics face staffing fluctuations due to Covid-related illness and isolation requirements. This can mean you might not always see your usual vet. Practices may adjust schedules or combine service points to maintain care accessibility. Some smaller or satellite clinics could be temporarily closed, directing clients to centralised locations to ensure adequate staffing and resources remain available.

2. Increased Use of Telemedicine and Remote Consultations

Telemedicine has become a routine part of UK veterinary care, accelerated by the pandemic. Video or phone consultations allow vets to assess minor ailments and provide follow-ups without needing clinic visits, reducing pet stress and exposure risk. Remote monitoring and digital health tools, like wearable devices, support early illness detection and tailored care plans. However, in-person exams remain essential for many conditions and treatments.

3. Modified Appointment Protocols to Enhance Safety

To protect staff and clients, many clinics operate reduced or staggered appointments, often requesting owners to wait in vehicles until called in. Social distancing guidelines are observed in waiting rooms, and enhanced hygiene measures including PPE use by staff are standard. These changes may mean appointments take longer or be scheduled outside traditional hours to reduce congestion.

4. At-Home Care Guidance When Possible

Where appropriate, veterinary teams guide owners on care routines that can be managed at home. For example, monitoring weight or minor wound care may be overseen remotely through phone or video calls. This reduces unnecessary travel and clinic visits, though vets stress that suspected infections or emergencies require a physical examination for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

5. Low Risk of Covid-19 Transmission Between Dogs and Humans

Current UK veterinary consensus is that Covid-19 transmission primarily occurs from humans to dogs in close contact situations. The risk of dogs spreading the virus to people is very low. While infected dogs rarely show symptoms, maintaining good hygiene such as handwashing before and after handling pets is advised. Infected owners should avoid close contact like kissing or cuddling their dogs.

6. Increased Pressure Due to Pandemic Pet Ownership Trends

Covid-19 led to a surge in pet adoptions, increasing demand on veterinary services and animal welfare organisations. Challenges remain around behavioural issues from socially restricted puppies and increased relinquishment rates. Clinics and charities continue to adapt to these pressures, emphasising responsible ownership and welfare support.

Summary and Next Steps for Pet Owners

The ongoing impact of Covid-19 on veterinary care includes staff shortages, telemedicine integration, and new safety protocols designed to protect everyone involved. Pet owners should prepare for possible changes like varied vet availability, remote consultations, and modified clinic visits.

Maintaining routine preventive care where possible, monitoring pets closely, and following vet guidance on hygiene and care will support your pet’s health during this period.

Remember: veterinary teams are working hard to provide safe, effective services under challenging circumstances. Your patience and understanding help ensure the best outcomes for pets and their families.