The ongoing social distancing guidelines due to COVID-19 have reshaped daily life across the U.S., and veterinary clinics have adapted their operations to continue prioritizing your dog’s health and well-being safely in 2025.
This article outlines the current recommendations and protocols for dog owners in the U.S., providing clarity on which veterinary services remain accessible during social distancing and how to responsibly navigate care options.
Veterinary hospitals remain open to provide emergency and critical care, prioritizing urgent cases where your dog may be in pain, injured, or severely ill. It's important to always call your veterinary professional first. Phone or video triage helps determine if your dog requires an in-person visit, minimizing unnecessary travel and supporting social distancing efforts.
Although routine veterinary services—such as vaccinations, dental cleanings, and microchipping—were initially limited at the pandemic’s start, many J.S. veterinary clinics have since resumed these under strict safety measures. However, the availability may vary by state or individual clinic policy.
Telemedicine has become a cornerstone in veterinary care access, allowing pet owners to consult veterinarians remotely while limiting face-to-face contact. Many U.S. clinics use video or phone consultations as initial evaluations of your dog’s health concerns.
If you’re isolating due to COVID-19 infection, try to arrange for another household member or friend to take your dog to appointments or for exercise. When that’s not an option, follow precautions like masked visits (as requested) and thorough hand washing before and after contact.
Your veterinary team will provide guidance on the safest methods for your dog to receive care while protecting your household and clinic staff.
Even as social distancing protocols continue to influence veterinary care delivery, dogs in the U.S. still have access to emergency, essential, and many preventive services this year. Telemedicine provides flexible, safe consultations, and careful preparation helps ensure smooth, effective care visits. By partnering responsibly with your veterinary provider, you can confidently support your dog’s health without compromising the safety of people or pets.