Emergency services re-open at Tufts’ veterinary hospital — but call ahead

The Foster Hospital for Small Animals is once again open for pets in need of critical care after three weeks of being unable to accept emergency patients.

Hospital Director Cheryl A. Blaze said the veterinary hospital, located on the campus of Tufts University’s Cummings School for Veterinary Medicine in North Grafton, has experienced difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The situation we are facing in veterinary practices across the country is the result of many inter-related factors, with the consequences being exacerbated because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she wrote in an email to prior patients. “More pets, higher demand for extensive veterinary services, staff shortages, and the realities of delivering care during a pandemic has decreased our ability to maintain high case throughput. This has resulted in the urgent and emergency care hospitals, on occasion, having more cases present than they can accommodate.”

Walk-in care is still not available. Pet owners are asked to call 508-839-5395 prior to coming to the emergency room. Specialty services remain open for appointments.

“We understand the impact this situation had on pet owners and the pets they love, and the Foster Hospital for Small Animals, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, and Tufts University remain committed to providing the highest quality of care and serving as many clients and pets as is possible,” Blaze wrote.

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