Update as of December 7, 2022: 

The Family Pet Veterinary Center Team is following the below protocols: 

  • We are offering both in-person and curbside appointments and there are currently no limits on the number of people in an exam room 
  • Masks are not required for in-person appointments 
  • We ask that if a client is sick that you contact our team prior to your appointment 
  • If someone tests positive within your home, please follow CDC guidelines for quarantine 

Our team is trained to provide your pets with the best possible care and even one sick team member impacts our ability to do that tremendously. We ask that if you are sick, you stay home. In an effort to keep up with the ever changing status of Covid-19 policies, we will be continuously re-evaluating our policies and procedures to keep our team members and clients health and safety a top priority. We ask that you allow us to focus on providing exceptional care to your pets instead of discussing vaccine statuses or mask requirements. We would like to thank you in advance for understanding and following our policies we have in place at this time. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Stay healthy,

Drs. Jen Mathis and Ryan Southard, and the entire team of Family Pet Veterinary Centers and Animal Dentistry Referral Services

At Family Pet Veterinary Centers (FPVC) and Animal Dentistry Referral Services (ADRS), it is our priority to try to keep people and pets healthy. FPVC is taking appropriate precautions to address the outbreak by following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Our current approach and response to COVID-19 is outlined below.


What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family, and it first appeared in late 2019 in Wuhan, China. Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, runny nose, cough and breathing trouble. While most people experience mild symptoms, some may develop more severe symptoms, which can be fatal.

COVID-19 is believed to be spread only person to person, which means that infection can occur through close contact with infected individuals. Although it is believed that COVID-19 is most contagious when an infected individual is most symptomatic, an individual may still be contagious without exhibiting any symptoms.

What Does COVID-19 Mean For My Pet?

Your pet is not at risk for infecting you with COVID -19. Please read this blog for updated information on COVID and pets.

Do not abandon your pets out of fear of contracting COVID-19 from them or infecting them with COVID-19. Practice basic hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling or walking your pets. Contact us if you need further advice.

Should our offices be forced to temporarily close as an absolute worst case, we will always have someone able to come in to take care of boarding and/or hospitalized pets.

What Should I Do To Prepare For My Pet's Care?

We know that some of you may end up quarantined or stuck at home sick. We still want to help you the best we can. Some choices are as follows:

  • Identify another person who is willing and able to transport your pet to our office. With notice, we will meet them at the door so the pet can enter the building. This will usually become a drop-off appointment. 
  • Download the app: TeleVet-Remote Pet Care from the Apple app store or Google Play. Request a consult ($45) and we will schedule a medical video conference, phone call, and/or chat with you. When the initial consult results in the need to listen, feel, or test your pet, an additional Medical Progress Exam ($45) is needed. This exam is less expensive than our typical Diagnostic Exam. Should you want to be present while self quarantined, a video conference of your pet’s visit can be arranged through the TeleVet app as well.
  • Oral dentistry consultations are now available via TeleVet for the $45 fee. While this is less expensive than the typical $100 fee, no part of the TeleVet consultation is refundable at the time of the anesthetic dental procedure given the added technology costs to the practice.
  • We can arrange to deliver needed food/medications to your door in most cases.
  • To schedule an appointment to have your pet seen in the office you may text (515) 224-9747 West Des Moines, (515) 981-0317 Norwalk or you can request a physical appointment.