Colorado Springs veterinarian embraces social distancing while treating pets

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Despite the coronavirus outbreak temporarily shuttering many businesses in Colorado, a local veterinarian has implemented a system to make sure sick and injured pets can still get the treatment they need.

KRDO viewer Jayme Young reached out and explained that her 12-year-old dachshund was sick, so she reached out to Dr. William Puryear with Faithful Friends Animal Hospital on Barnes Road.

Puryear put in a curbside drop-off system at the animal hospital, and Young was able to take care of everything from her car, including a consultation with the doctor. A staffer took her dog inside to be treated, and they bring the pets back out to your car when everything is done.

"They're family and they mean a lot to us," said Young, who owns three dogs. "And for these people to go out of their way and risk their health to be there for our pets is amazing."

Dr. Puryear says pets can be a real source of comfort when people are in isolation.

"It's kind of a gift that God gave us," he said. "To be able to have these pets comfort us and us comfort them. And it's a beautiful thing."

Under the state's public health order, veterinary and livestock services are considered "essential" for the community.