Starting Friday August 13th 2021:
At Kihei Veterinary Clinic we always strive to provide personalized, family first veterinary medicine. With the advent of COVID-19, our focus is to ensure that our patients, their owners and our staff are all kept healthy during this time. In accordance with the American and Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, as well as in conjunction with the CDC, we are choosing to implement our Curbside Care once again. This means that owners are not allowed in our examination rooms during their pets visit. We do not make the decision lightly as we know and understand all the challenges faced when you can’t be in the exam room with your pet. But we feel this change is necessary due to the rising number of cases here on Maui. While many of our community are vaccinated against Covid 19 we still feel it’s our responsibility to help protect all of our pet parents, staff and everyone’s ohana.
This last year was challenging when we first asked everyone to wait outside while their pets were treated. We had to do this because our exam rooms are very small and having multiple people in such a small space (even with masks in place) was an increased risk for everyone. But it wasn’t always simple. Talking on the phone or in the hot parking lot wasn’t the same as seeing the doctor perform the exam and being able to explain your pets medical issues in real time. Everyone did their best and we managed the first hectic year as best we all could but we have been working hard to figure out solutions and utilize new technology to ensure three things:
- You get face time with your doctor to explain your concerns in real time
- Limited wait outside in the hot weather
- Our pet parents and staff don’t have to share such a small space together
That’s why we are happy to announce that although we have to go back to Curbside Care we will now be offering Curbside Care PLUS!
What is Curbside Care PLUS?
When you pull into the parking lot and call our front desk a receptionist will check you in and bring outside a tablet that has a video link to your pets exam room. Then they will take your furry family member inside to see the doctor. You will be able to see, hear and talk to your pet’s doctor during the examination so that we can ensure all of your concerns are addressed fully and efficiently. Once complete the staff will bring your furry family member back outside to you and collect the tablet and any payment. Our hope is to be able to use this new technology to bridge the communication gap we struggled with previously.
When you arrive for your appointment you just need to do two things:
- Call our front desk at 808-879-5777 to check in for your appointment. And…
- Wait in your vehicle.
Please know that our lobby is still open! Do you:
- Need to purchase pet food?
- Pick up your pets prescriptions?
- Have a hard time hearing us on a phone or other device?
- Or is it just too hot outside in your car?
Please come on in! Our lobby is large enough to safely accommodate three people at once! We are working on installing additional shading and ventilation outside if you prefer to wait there.
Also please keep in mind that at times we may run a bit behind, we may be short staffed or dealing with an emergency. Any anger or lashing out at employees is not pono and will not be tolerated. We are all in this together and it’s a frustrating time for us all, we need to show aloha to each other whenever possible. If you have concerns or need additional accommodations please do not hesitate to ask! If something isn’t working for your specific situation we can almost always find a solution.
As always we are so very appreciative of your kindness and support. This last year and half have been extremely challenging and difficult for so many in our community but we are proud to be a part of such an amazing community. Together we are Maui nui strong.
Mahalo!
Dr. Jerob Leaper and the KVC Ohana
Kihei Veterinary Clinic
