Based on the latest COVID-19 developments and best practices recommended by state and federal authorities, Auburn University transitioned to an alternate operations model on Tuesday, March 17. The university is continuing normal operations to the extent possible while practicing social distancing through remote instruction and remote work for many employees. All employees are available via email or phone.

In accordance with Auburn University’s alternate operations model, and to help ensure the health and safety of our clients, patients, students and employees, the College of Veterinary Medicine teaching hospitals, both in Auburn and Gulf Shores, have transitioned to a period of restricted operations, effective immediately, in accordance with the following guidelines:

Auburn-specific guidelines:

• Clients/visitors will not be allowed to enter hospital facilities, including restrooms and vending.
• Customary in-person interactions will instead be conducted through telephone conversations for most, if not all, communications.
• Routine visits and elective procedures will be postponed until the hospitals return to normal operations.
• The hospitals will remain open for emergency services and patients requiring continuation of care to prevent a decline in health. Patients will be triaged according to critical need.*
• If it is necessary to bring a patient to one of the Auburn hospitals, please be prepared for potentially long wait times.
• Clients with appointments scheduled in the coming weeks will be contacted by a hospital staff member to discuss changes in hospital operations and given instructions for care during the period of restricted operations when necessary.
• Upon arrival, clients transporting patients in need of care should park in a space in front of the Bailey Small Animal Hospital or near the Vaughan Large Animal Hospital, then call 334.844.4690 (small animal) or 334.844.4490 (large animal). For small animal clients, a hospital staff member will come to your vehicle to retrieve the patient for treatment and will return upon completion. Large animal clients will receive instructions for patient unloading when they call the hospital upon arrival.
• Clients needing patient medication refills should call the pharmacy directly at 334.844.6721 for directions.
• Referring veterinarians with patients in non-emergency situations are asked to call the teaching hospital for consultation prior to directing clients to the hospital for treatment. Clients with patients in non-emergency situations who do not have access to a referring veterinarian may call the teaching hospital to request guidance. We will have veterinarians available for telephone consultations to assist non-emergency patients on a case-by-case basis.

Gulf Shores-specific guidelines:

• Clients/visitors will not be allowed to enter hospital facilities, including restrooms and vending.
• Customary in-person interactions will instead be conducted through telephone conversations for most, if not all, communications.
• The Gulf Shores hospital will not schedule appointments or procedures until the hospital returns to normal operations.
• The Gulf Shores hospital is not open for walk-ins and does not offer 24/7 emergency services.
• Current clients have been notified, given instructions for care and will be issued medication refills when needed.
• Current clients needing assistance or medication refills should call 251.227.8480 before traveling to the hospital.
• Referring veterinarians needing consultations for surgery or dermatology should call 251.227.8480.

Staff members may be dressed in personal protective equipment such as gloves, surgical gown and/or mask when retrieving the patient for triage. There is no need to be alarmed or concerned, as this is an extra layer of protection we have implemented to protect both clients and employees.

All clients transporting patients to our hospitals will be asked the following COVID-19 exposure screening questions prior to interaction with a staff member:

• Have you been positively diagnosed with COVID-19?
• Have you come in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days?
• Have you traveled internationally, domestically or been on a cruise ship within the last 14 days?
• Have you currently or within the last 14 days had fever and respiratory symptoms?
• Have you currently or within the last 14 days been in contact with someone who has had fever and respiratory symptoms?

If you need to bring an animal to an Auburn hospital and can answer “yes” to any of the above screening questions, we ask that someone who cannot answer “yes” to any of these questions transport the patient.

We urge referring veterinarians and clients to call the appropriate hospital prior to traveling to the facility (phone numbers listed below). At this time, the restricted operations model is expected to be in effect until Friday, April 10. As new information becomes available, we will communicate any necessary modifications to this operations model if circumstances change. Monitor the university’s COVID-19 site at aub.ie/coronavirus for up-to-date information regarding university operations.

Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital/Emergency services
334.844.4690
1220 Wire Rd. | Auburn, Alabama

Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital/Emergency services
334.844.4490
1500 Wire Rd. | Auburn, Alabama

Auburn Veterinary Specialists – Gulf Shores
251.227.8480
21541 Coastal Gateway Boulevard  | Gulf Shores, Alabama

* When possible, it is recommended you first contact your veterinarian who can assist in referring your medical situation referred to us. However, emergency and critical care services are provided 24/7 and do not require a referral. Longer than usual wait times are possible. Patients will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will receive treatment in order of critical need. A veterinarian will assess the patient upon arrival and, if the patient does not require urgent/emergent care, it is possible the hospital will not be able to provide treatment until normal hospital operations have resumed. Please call the large or small animal hospital for consultation prior to traveling to the facility.

**Updated 3/20/2020