Dr. Chandler will be out of the office and unavailable from October 22-29, 2020. She will be returning calls and emails upon her return. Please contact your primary care veterinarian or local emergency veterinary hospital if you need assistance during this time.
Animal hospice and palliative care offers a unique opportunity to help you and your pet have the best quality of life possible for whatever time remains. It’s best to have a consultation early on in the process. This way we can address potential areas of concern in a proactive manner, while there may still be things we can do to have a positive impact in the life of your good friend. Please see the Services tab to understand the many ways in which we can help see you through this tender time with your beloved companion.
COVID19 Update We are living in a new era with the global pandemic from the novel corona virus. In response to COVID19, and following the best practices recommended by the CDC and the American Veterinary Medical Association, I have temporarily changed my protocols for home visits in order to be as safe as possible for myself, you, and the community in general. Currently I am offering Quality of Life consultations, some ongoing palliative or hospice care in the home setting, and End of Life services. It’s best if we can meet outdoors. Alternatively, for these services you can see me at Northfork Veterinary Clinic (I am currently there on alternating Mondays and Thursdays), either as a one time visit to establish a Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship (VCPR), so that medications and/or herbs can be prescribed, or for ongoing weekly acupuncture visits. Please contact Northfork Veterinary Clinic directly for their hours and protocols for appointments (530-888-8788, Northforkvet.com). You may also call, text or e-mail me to discuss treatment plan options for your pet. (530-906-2490, lovealwaysvet@gmail.com)
These challenging times are straining our ability to provide compassionate and loving care, particularly to our patients’ families. I am still offering, as gently as possible, the service of euthanasia in the home setting. I am trying to do all the paperwork via email or text, with authorization by return email if possible. Payments preferably can be made on-line in order to minimize handling cash and checks, though I still do accept all forms of payment. I am am doing my best to see patients outdoors. I will arrive wearing a face mask, head and shoe covers. We can meet outside or in an open garage, which can work very well for many pets; or at a doorway like a sliding glass door, in a way that allows us to keep as much distance as possible. I am limiting the time of our exposure to each other by administering each medication and then waiting outside or in my car until the pet is ready for the next step. I am not giving hugs or handshakes, which feels awkward and uncomfortable in the tenderness of the visit, and is far outside my typical style of practice. I will do my best to walk you through the process ahead of time and try to make you as comfortable as possible. I know that the decisions and experiences around end-of-life for our pets add tremendous heartbreak to a situation that is already at a breaking point for many families. Please call to discuss any special circumstances you may have as I will do my best to create a workable situation for you and your beloved companion.