As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, pet resorts across NVA are stepping up to assist pet parents working on the front lines. First responders, medical care professionals and foodservice providers everywhere are working long hours to pull us through these tough times, and many are struggling to find care for their pets. To help, NVA pet resorts have begun offering significant discounts to essential employees.

“We know how hard you are working for us,” said an NVA team member in asocial media announcement. “Let us work for you.” Other pet resorts across our community echoed the same sentiment.

Rover Oaks Pet Resort in Houston, Texas, also advertised that essential workers could expect a steep discount on lodging and daycare through the end of the stay-at-home order. “They’re there for our communities,” said the team. “So we’re here for them.”

Like most General Practice and Specialty + ER hospitals, pet resorts have closed their lobbies but remain open with curbside service. They’ve also heightened precautionary measures, such as social distancing and an increase in cleaning and sterilization. Even with stay-at-home measures in place across the country, the need for a healthy and safe environment for pets remains more important than ever. And clients, especially those serving our communities, have expressed gratitude for their support and availability.

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pet resort General Manager, Guinevere Reed-Sundy, received a heartfelt “thank you” from one of her clients, a registered nurse at a local hospital.

“She had tears in her eyes the other day when she picked up her dog,” recounted Guinevere. “She said, ‘I’ll be honest with you, I don’t know what we would all do without you guys right now.’ She looked very tired and worn out and was so excited that her pet was still being cared for while she worked long shifts. This is why I love my job.“

In another instance, a Denver, Colorado pediatrician, who works in emergency care, had turned to City Bark to watch her Irish Setter as she prepared for a long day at the hospital. “Today, as I dropped Ronan off before my 6a ED shift tomorrow, I asked how the team was doing. ‘We’re here so you can work,’ they said. ‘Even if we need to pick up your dog at the hospital… We’re here.’… I was tearing up as I left.”

“As the world turns more hectic, we will make sure that you and your four-legged friend have a place,” the City Bark team said in response. “We are all in this together.”

Since the pandemic hit, the pet resort business has felt the greatest change. With travel restrictions and lockdowns implemented across the nation, there has been less foot traffic and more modifications to the usual protocols and processes. To help pet resorts communicate everything from service alterations to discounts, the NVA Marketing team developed resources that include guides, client messaging and graphics for signage, social media posts and e-blasts. Resort leaders can contact their division leader to obtain this information.

While the pet resort business may have changed for now, the passion for their purpose endures. They continue to serve as the home away from home for the animals they love and care for, like their own. Still, client interaction is greatly missed.

“We are open! And practicing social distancing while complying with CDC guidelines,” said the team at the Pet Spot in Cincinnati, Ohio. “But… we do miss seeing our clients face to face!” Separated by a glass entryway, a wave to a client turns into a dance, as they, like everyone, aim to keep spirits high and find joy in hard times.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted communities around the world, our NVA family has proven strong through their daily acts of kindness, positivity and continued dedication. Helping accommodate those they serve any way possible has been a gratifying cycle in giving back and shining light to those that have been braving the front lines for all, in turn, lifting spirits and shining light at a time when it’s needed most.

NVA is here and proud to support our Pet Resort and veterinary communities. Our focus is on the continued health, safety and well-being of all. We continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation, as every day brings new developments, and we are doing everything we can to keep our practices informed with accurate information to allow them to focus on the well-being of their patients. If you are part of our NVA community and would like to receive the toolkit and other resource, please reach out to your division leader. For our extended community contact info@nva.com to get more information.