Whether your dog needs routine care such as booster vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, or urgent veterinary attention, veterinarians across the United States remain dedicated to providing essential animal healthcare safely. The lingering presence of COVID-19 has led veterinary clinics to implement new procedures that balance animal health needs with social distancing and hygiene requirements.
This guide offers a straightforward explanation of what social distancing means at the veterinarian’s office, how you can uphold it, and the current safety measures clinics in the US are following.
What Social Distancing Looks Like at the Veterinarian’s Office
Social distancing is designed to minimize close interactions between people to reduce the transmission risk of COVID-19. At veterinary clinics, this often involves limiting the number of clients allowed inside, organizing separate waiting areas, and enforcing strict hand hygiene.
During your visit, this means keeping physical space from others when possible, avoiding unnecessary contact, washing or sanitizing hands frequently, and wearing masks if requested by your veterinarian. These steps help protect your pet, other pet owners, and veterinary staff.
Is It Possible to Maintain Social Distancing When Visiting the Veterinarian with Your Dog?
Some close contact is inevitable during your dog's check-up or treatment, but many veterinary practices now limit waiting room access to reduce crowding. You might be required to wait outdoors or in your vehicle until called inside. It’s best to contact your veterinarian beforehand to learn about their specific procedures.
Typically, only one person is allowed to accompany the pet to keep visitor numbers down. Some clinics offer outdoor consultations or telehealth visits via phone or video for non-urgent concerns, reducing the need for in-person visits.
Effective Ways to Keep Social Distance and Stay Safe During a Vet Appointment
- Schedule and Call Ahead: Always reach out to your veterinary clinic beforehand to book an appointment and understand their current social distancing policies.
- Be Ready on Arrival: Have your dog on a leash or in a carrier prepared for a quick handoff to staff to limit wait times and contact.
- Wait Outside or in Your Car: Prepare to spend time outside or in your vehicle until your pet is ready to be seen. Dress appropriately for weather conditions.
- Keep Interaction Minimal: Maintain distance from other clients and avoid touching common surfaces or your face during the visit.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Use hand sanitizer or wash hands before and after handling your dog or veterinary equipment; many clinics provide sanitizer on site.
- If You Feel Ill, Arrange Alternative Care: Should you or someone in your home display COVID-19 symptoms or recent exposure, do not attend the appointment yourself. Instead, ask a healthy family member or friend to take your dog.
Does Going to the Veterinarian Increase Your Risk of Contracting COVID-19?
Any time you leave your home, there is a slight risk of exposure to the coronavirus. However, US veterinary clinics follow rigorous infection control protocols, including frequent cleaning, limiting client numbers, and staff use of personal protective equipment.
Risk is further minimized by eliminating waiting room use and offering telehealth consultations where appropriate. When you adhere to your clinic’s recommendations and public health guidelines, visiting the veterinarian poses a lower COVID-19 risk than many regular activities like grocery shopping.
What to Do If You're Sick but Your Dog Needs Veterinary Care
If you experience COVID-19 symptoms or are under isolation orders, avoid visiting the veterinary clinic personally. Contact your veterinarian to report your condition and arrange for someone else to attend with your dog or explore remote consultation options.
Maintaining open communication with your veterinary team ensures your pet receives necessary care without compromising the health of others.
Summary and What Comes Next
Visiting your dog’s veterinarian while maintaining social distancing within the US is entirely feasible with awareness and cooperation. Current veterinary practices focus on reducing close contact, requiring appointments, and using virtual consultations when suitable.
Before your next appointment, call your local veterinary clinic to learn about their latest procedures. Prepare your dog for a swift handoff and follow all hygiene and distancing recommendations to keep yourself, your pet, and veterinary staff safe.
Responsible pet ownership means ensuring timely veterinary care, even amid ongoing public health challenges, while respecting social distancing and hygiene protocols designed to protect our communities.
For example, many veterinarians in cities like New York and Los Angeles still conduct curbside drop-offs and pickups to limit client traffic inside the clinic. Additionally, telehealth services have become increasingly popular, allowing owners with anxious dogs or minor concerns to receive guidance remotely.
According to a recent survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), around 30% of veterinary clinics in the US offer telemedicine consultations as part of their standard care model in 2025, reflecting a lasting change brought on by the pandemic.