Putting a pause on care during COVID-19

"This is probably the most difficult time [I've] experienced as a business owner and veterinarian," says Rob Mankowski, VMD, co-owner of Mount Laurel Animal Hospital in Mount Laurel, New Jersey.

"We're changing how we operate on a day-to-day basis right now to focus on what's emergent and animals that are ill that need services, and using our equipment and supplies just for them," he says.

The newly expanded, over 25,000-square-foot hospital (merit award winner in the 2020 dvm360 Hospital Design Competition) has had to cease its mobile and in-home euthanasia services, and scale back primary care services—in turn reducing the staff load and management team, and refocusing efforts of the remaining staff on essential services only. Curbside check-in, phone-only client communication and telemedicine services are largely the norm now.

To hear more about this large hospital's current protocols—and how their clients are reacting to the changes—watch the video interview below.