Rendering of essential services: Veterinary Physiotherapy

In the last few weeks, we have done all that we can to stay home and contain the spread of COVID-19 through refraining from rendering services to our patients. Our initial rationale was that a patient would require treatment in only a life or death situation. As time has passed, we are now seeing an increased need for our services as our patients are losing quality of life and their welfare is now at stake.

In order for us to remain compliant with the lockdown requirements and to continue to do all we can to ensure the containment of COVID-19, while returning to service our patients and ensuring their quality of life and welfare is upheld, we have compiled some guidelines for Veterinary Physiotherapists.

1.       Minimum PPE requirements

Please adhere to the minimum requirements for Personal Protective Equipment, as well as environmental requirements before considering the treatment of any patient, as per the below document. 

2.       Screening process for patients and clients

All clients should be screened for risk of carrying COVID-19 before you consent to the treatment of their pet. Please use the below template to create an online form specific to your practice in order to screen all clients as they are booking an appointment.

Client Screening Template

All patients can be screened to assess the level of service they require, whether an online consultation, an in-person consultation, or a visit to their veterinarian. This can form an objective basis for your clinical reasoning and assist in managing client expectations. Please use this form as a template to create your own online form specific to your practice.

Small Animal Triage Questionnaire 

Equine Triage Questionnaire

3.       Documentation required to perform essential services

You will require three documents in order to be able to perform an essential service legally:

• A letter of essential services from the South African Veterinary Council
• An essential services permit (download and complete the one attached)
• Your SA identity document

Your clients will require the following documentation to travel to you for an appointment:

• COVID-19 Essential service permit
• SA identity document