Rockingham Times

The Rockingham Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Windham has returned to curbside treatment, as it did in earlier stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The hospital had reopened its building to clients beginning June 7, with a variety of rules -- including wearing a mask and allowing only one person in the building -- but it recently posted on Facebook that it would be only taking emergency cases. The return to the curbside treatment protocol began on Jan. 8 and was due to the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in the community.

“Due to recent severe uptick in COVID cases, and in order to protect the health of our staff so that we can continue to provide care to your pets, we are returning to 100% curbside care, effective immediately,” the hospital posted on Facebook Jan. 8.

Owner Christina Barnett told WMUR9 that recently three of the hospital’s employees tested positive for COVID-19, which was the highest amount since the pandemic began. Barnett said it was a difficult decision to go back to curbside treatment, but she said that it was necessary and that the pandemic has made their service especially difficult.

“Depending on the day, we would turn away just really simple things, and some days we have to turn everything that isn’t actually dying. It’s horrible,’’ Barnett told WMUR9.

According to the Rockingham Emergency Veterinary Hospital's website, it is currently operating with limited hours. However, full 24-7 care is expected to begin again Friday, Jan. 14.

The hospital's Facebook page instructs people to call to let staff know when they arrive with a pet that needs to be treated as the building's doors are locked. No clients are allowed inside, except for euthanasias, where two masked people are allowed. The Facebook post adds that clients must wear a mask over their nose and mouth. Rockingham Emergency Veterinary Hospital's phone number is 603-870-9770.

Up-to-date information about COVID-19 protocols can be found at the hospital's website, revh-nh.com.