Animal Welfare Professionals

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  • 1.  COVID Quarantine Strategies- how are you handling it?

    Posted 01-03-2022 08:36 AM
    If you are like us, all of sudden your staff started dropping like flies to COIVD quarantines. We have had 7 in the past week go out, with many more out for close contact exposure. What are you doing to get through if you are short-staffed right now?  Are you reducing intake? Increasing foster pleas? Relying more on volunteers?

    Let's share strategies with each other to get through this difficult time!
    #OrganizationalManagement

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    Alexis Pugh
    Director, Memphis Animal Services
    www.memphisanimalservices.com

    Organizational Management
    & Pet Support Services Specialist
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  • 2.  RE: COVID Quarantine Strategies- how are you handling it?

    Posted 01-04-2022 10:02 AM
    Alexis,

     This is a great topic to discuss. I will say that it has been very difficult having staff out because of Covid.  As I type my response I am currently in Covid quarantine. I was tested this morning and would be completely surprised if I tested negative. As a director at my clinic it is hard for me to be out because my team depends on me however I have found true solace in knowing that my team is doing quite well in my absence.  I have really felt a great sense of pride that my team is doing well because I have always been taught the true measure of a leader is how your team performs in your absence. 

      We are still operating in a curbside manner at our clinic. Client are allowed to enter the building only 4 at a time and they must wear a mask. They are allowed to come inside the building check in and fill out paperwork and then they must return to their car and when the technician is ready for them the tech will go to the car and speak to the clients and retrieve the pets. We do allow clients to come into an exam room if we are performing a euthanasia however we limit that to 2 people only and they must wear a mask. We keep masks at the front desk for adults and clients. 

    We have also starting using software called Pet Desk that clients can download the app and obtain thier records, vaccine history and any other documents needed for their pet(s).  The client can also upload photos of their pet as well.  Clients can actually go on the app and text us if they want medication refill, an appointment, of they have a question and let us know that they have arrived. Through the app clients can access forms needed for the appointment and can fill them out and send them back to us prior to the appointment.

     This new system has allowed us to have less physical contact with the clients. It helps make the process a little more efficient for the staff and the clients.  This keeps clients from having to enter the building. This also helps slow down the amount of emails and phone calls so that we are not so overwhelmed when a team member is out sick.  

     We are turning to Jotforms or any system that allows the use of electronic forms. We also have our surgery post of forms electronic so that the clients can just sign on the tablet and they will get a copy emailed to them.

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    Marissa Reid
    Clinic Director
    LifeLine Animal Project

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    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
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