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Mar 16

COVID-19 – Client Guidelines & Updates

Updated March 2023:

  • Masks are OPTIONAL inside the hospital.
  • Clients may use the first floor lobby and front patio to optimize social distancing
  • Scheduled specialty appointments will remain curbside but clients are welcome to use the lobby and facilities, as needed. If you have questions about your pet’s specialty appointment, please contact the department directly.
  • Based on exam room availability, Emergency and/or Urgent Care cases may be discussed by phone. 
  • Clients must stay near the premises for the duration of a patient’s visit unless otherwise directed by the doctor on his or her case.
  • Clients may visit hospitalized patients; however, visit length & frequency is determined on a case-by-case basis, considering patient status. 

Friendship remains committed to our team and our community.

While we remain fully operational, in-person consults and examinations are limited.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we navigate this together.

If you are feeling ill or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 and your pet needs to be seen on an urgent or emergency basis, please let us know so we may implement additional measures and protocols to ensure our safety, while still meeting your pets’ medical needs.

If you are feeling ill or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 and your pet is scheduled for an elective or wellness visit, please reschedule as soon as possible.

Emergency, urgent care, and walk-ins:

  • Please call ahead if you are able: 202-363-7300
  • Upon arrival, please check in with our front desk team.
  • Our staff will promptly retrieve your pet and obtain authorization for initial diagnostics, if needed.
  • After the doctor has completed an assessment and/or exam, he or she will contact you by phone to discuss next steps. 
  • If your pet is going to be admitted to the hospital, an estimate will be emailed to you and your deposit paid online.
  • If your pet is here for an outpatient visit, take home information and invoices will be emailed.  
  • Deposits and payments will be collected via friendshiphospital.com/payonline
  • Doctors and staff will update you on your pet’s progress. Due to high caseload and high call volume, we ask that clients not call for updates. Unexpected interruptions divert attention from our patients and can cause significant delays in workflow.

All scheduled Primary Care wellness visits, non-routine appointments, and tech appointments:

  • One person per patient is permitted inside the building.
  • Proceed to the lobby to be checked in at your appointment time.
  • Check-out at the front desk before you leave.

General Surgery and Dental:

Admission:

  • Bring signed estimate and consent (if not previously emailed to the hospital.)
  • One person per patient is permitted inside the building.
  • Proceed to the lobby to be checked in at the time directed by the service.

Discharge:

  • Discharges will be reviewed by phone after your pet’s procedure and emailed.
  • Check-out at the front desk when you arrive to pick up your pet and medications.

Specialty appointments:

  • Refer to the check-in instructions provided by the department you are scheduled to see. 

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community:

  • To schedule an appointment, please LiveChat or call ahead, as usual.
  • Emergency/Urgent Care/Walk-in, please call ahead if you are able.
  • Our staff will provide you instructions for how to text us when you arrive at the hospital.
  • Appointment and hospitalization updates will be conducted via text.

Important Reminders:

  • Masks – Must be donned during patient hand-off.
  • Patient Hand-Off – Please have your pet ready for hand-off to our staff. Our team members are not permitted to reach into your vehicle.
  • Social Distancing – Please follow social distancing guidelines and avoid congregating on the front patio. 

Links & Resources:

Friendship provides state of the art, comprehensive services for our clients and patients. But, more than that, we provide a caring team who understand the unique human-animal bond. View Our Services