University of Findlay Alumnus Providing Curbside Veterinary Service During COVID-19 Pandemic

University of Findlay alum, Tyler Fields ’14, DVM, is doing his part to continue providing vital services to the Blanchard Valley area throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While at Findlay, Fields double majored in Animal Science, with a Pre-Veterinary emphasis, and Biology. Now a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Blanchard Valley Veterinary Clinic, Fields and the rest of the veterinary team have taken a new approach to seeing their valued patients with curb-side service.

Fields said that this curbside service was established to, “aid in protecting our staff while still being able to provide care to pets and their owners.” He continued to explain that, “Veterinary clinics are usually not largely staffed like a human hospital. Therefore, if a staff member were to succumb to disease, it could threaten not just the staff but also the business. If the most essential part of the clinic is not available, then care cannot be provided to our patients during their times of need.” By limiting the practice to only seeing animals that are ill or need immediate assistance, they are able to provide necessary care while still doing their part to combat the spread of COVID-19 by practicing social distancing.

Herd health and population medicine is one of the many things that Fields learned throughout his academic career as a double major in Animal Science and Biology. Fields can relate this to the current recommendations set forth by Governor Mike DeWine, the Ohio Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as a way to protect the greater population. “We all must do our part for ourselves, our families and our community,” Fields stated. During his time at Findlay, Fields regularly practiced critical thinking to achieve success in the classroom. These skills are now being put to the test as he, and the rest of the Blanchard Valley Veterinary Clinic team, determine how to best serve their patients while keeping themselves healthy and following all guidelines set forth by the Governor and CDC.

Kara Schmidt ’14, DVM, fellow University Findlay Animal Science alum and Blanchard Valley Veterinary Clinic veterinarian, said, “Exposure and contact are the biggest things causing this pandemic to affect people.” The curbside services being provided allows the clinic’s staff to, “continue to provide the expected level of care,” to their patients while keeping clients and staff safe by limiting exposure to others. “Overall, it’s been received well,” continued Schmidt, “There is nervousness about the lack of normalcy, but the public has been very accepting and appreciative.”

“Getting through this current state is going to challenge every single person in more ways than one,” said Fields, “This quarantine is a fantastic time to strengthen a human-animal Bond. Try teaching your dog a new trick or command, play fetch, hide treats throughout the house for them to find. There are numerous studies that show interaction with pets benefits both parties mentally and physically.”

University of Findlay’s Animal Science students graduate with a firm grasp of herd health and population medicine, enabling them to adapt easily to COVID-19. To learn more about Findlay’s Animal Science Program, visit https://www.findlay.edu/sciences/animal-science/. Stay updated on how the University of Findlay is responding to COVID-19 by visiting https://www.findlay.edu/offices/student-affairs/safety-security/health-alerts.