COVID-19 Important Information

In May 2021, Governor Baker lifted capacity restrictions in many Massachusetts settings enabling Angell to “re-open” on June 14, 2021 and once again welcome non-emergency clients to use our waiting rooms, lobby, and restrooms in all of our Angell hospital locations. In addition, up to two clients per appointment are now permitted into exam rooms with their pets and Angell veterinarians. Clients and visitors of Angell hospitals must continue to wear a mask at all times when at our facilities. Our visiting policy for inpatients remains restricted for now, but we hope to open up visiting hours as good news continues to progress in the months ahead.

We recognize the vital role that our hospitals and adoption centers play as a safe haven for animals especially in times of crisis, and we are committed to being a resource for our community. Our front line team is grateful for your support and patience.

Angell Animal Medical Center

As an essential business, Angell Animal Medical Center has remained open during the pandemic and is providing urgent medical care, without disruption, to animal patients in our charge. We have implemented extensive safety precautions to protect both our clients and employees. As Mass state regulations change, we will update our guidelines. We thank you in advance for your understanding.

Angell Boston

How Angell Boston is delivering care to your pet while minimizing risk of COVID-19 transmission:

• Clients of all Angell services are once again allowed to use our waiting rooms, lobby, and restrooms.
• Clients and visitors of Angell hospitals must continue to wear a mask at all times when at our facilities.
• We welcome up to two clients per appointment back into exam rooms with their pets and Angell veterinarians.
• Our visiting policy for inpatients remains restricted for now, but we hope to open up visiting hours as good news continues to progress in the months ahead.
• Angell Pharmacy clients are welcome to come in to pick up medications/food during pharmacy business hours.
• Whenever possible, we ask that only one client come inside with each patient.
• While inside, we ask that you please maintain appropriate social distancing from all other clients and members of our staff.

Client Communication:

• Please make sure that you check in with a member of the front desk staff upon arrival and they will assist with transactions or direct you to the appropriate waiting area.

PLEASE NOTE: you SHOULD NOT enter our facility if any of the following are true:

• • You are experiencing a cough, fever, or chills.
  • You have tested positive for COVID-19, or if you (or anyone you live with) has a COVID-19 test pending.
  • You have traveled anywhere by plane in the last 14 days.
    If any of the above are true, please do not enter the building.
    Call from outside and we will arrange to assist you and your pet over the telephone.

Pharmacy:

• Angell continues to fill prescriptions 7 days per week, and pharmacy clients are welcome into the building to pick up and pay for food and medication refills. To maintain the safety of our clients and staff, clients are required to wear a mask and traffic patterns are clearly outlined on the floor to help maintain appropriate social distance while in the building. Mailing of prescriptions is available (shipping fees apply). Clients can submit their prescription requests at angell.org/pharmacy or by calling 617-524-5700.
• Please support Angell by ordering your Angell patient prescriptions through angell.org/pharmacy  versus other online sites.

Please note that failure to comply with Angell’s COVID-19 Safety Guidelines will result in your immediate removal from our facility.

Angell West, Waltham

• Emergency services. As of June 28, 2021 the Angell West Emergency/Critical Care (E/CC) service in Waltham is temporarily closed throughout the summer to all besides inpatients. The increase in inpatient volume drove this decision as it allows us to ensure high quality care for our other patients. The Angell West E/CC staff will work with the Angell Boston E/CC team to address the record high case load at our Boston location and decrease Emergency service wait times. We will reopen our Angell West E/CC to triages when our staff-to-patient volume ratio enables us to do so without impacting patient care. Importantly, ALL other specialty services at Angell West in Waltham will continue to serve patients without change (Internal Medicine, Surgery, Avian/Exotic Medicine, Dermatology, Physical Rehabilitation, and Cardiology consults). We will continue to hospitalize patients from these services and care for them overnight as needed. Specialty services will still offer surgery, procedures and diagnostic imaging (radiographs, ultrasound and CT).
• Angell West in Waltham continues to welcome all non-emergency referral cases. Clients or primary care veterinarians please call 781-902-8400 to schedule an appointment.
• Clients of all Angell West services are once again allowed to use our waiting rooms, lobby, and restrooms.
• Clients and visitors of Angell hospitals must continue to wear a mask at all times when at our facilities.
• Physical Rehabilitation. Our physical rehabilitation service at Angell West is open and continues to see patients. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 781-902-8400.

Angell at Nashoba and Angell at Essex

• Angell at Nashoba in Westford and Angell at Essex in Danvers remain open for primary care services with entry into the hospitals restricted to one client per appointment, patients and staff.
• Clients are allowed into the clinic only during their pet’s exam, otherwise they will continue to wait in their cars. There is no waiting room access at this time.
• Clients and visitors of Angell hospitals must continue to wear a mask at all times when at our facilities.

Animal Care and Adoption Centers

• Adoption and surrender services are available by appointment.
  Please visit our website at mspca.org/surrender or mspca.org/adopt for more information.
• Our adoption centers remain closed to the general public.
  In order to maintain a safe environment for our staff, volunteers, animals and clients, the adoption centers will remain closed to walk-through traffic for the foreseeable future.
• Our low cost spay/neuter clinics are open in Boston, Centerville and Methuen Visit mspca.org/spayneuter to learn more.
• Dog training classes have resumed in Boston and Methuen. Visit mspca.org/dogtraining for more information on in-person and virtual training options.
• Visit mspca.org/events for updates on adoption center events.
  Please watch mspca.org/events for in-person and virtual event opportunities including vaccination clinics, humane education programs, and fundraising events.
• Our Community Outreach teams are providing access to food, emergency temporary housing, and urgent veterinary care. Our goal is to keep families together with their pets and make sure no pet goes hungry during the crisis. Visit mspca.org/communityoutreach to learn more.
• Foster care and volunteer programs are recruiting as needs arise at our adoption centers.
  Please visit mspca.org/volunteer for the most up-to-date information.
• We are accepting donated items on a limited basis.
  Visit mspca.org/wishlist for a list of items we do and do not accept at this time.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we strive to continue our work on behalf of animals and the people who love them. We are thinking about all of you – our staff, volunteers, supporters, clients, and community partners – and doing everything we can to be here for those who need us the most.

CDC Recommendations Regarding Companion Animals and COVID-19

Public health officials are still learning about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2. This is the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease), but there is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading the virus in the United States. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare. Further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals, including pets, could be affected.

Until we know more, CDC recommends the following:

• Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household.
• Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.
• Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet from other people and animals.
• Avoid dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather.
• If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test), restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would around other people.
• When possible, have another member of your household care for your pets while you are sick.
• Avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding.
• If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

For information on how to keep your indoor cat entertained, check out these tips from the MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center: