Coronavirus: Are vet clinics open in the UAE? How can I get pet food?

Worried about getting pet food or whether you can access a UAE-based veterinary clinic during the Coronavirus restrictions? Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

The National Disinfection Programme has led to businesses operating on slightly different hours. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

Depending on where you normally shop for pet food, you should still be able to access it. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

Supermarkets, hypermarkets and grocery stores are still open. You can read about the changed timings here: https://gulfnews.com/1.1585648959694 Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

Pet shops are still open, but some may restrict entry to follow precautionary measures following the spread of COVID-19 Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

Most pet shops are now offering home delivery services. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

You also have many online shopping options for pet food. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

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Veterinary clinics in the UAE are also open. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

However, some clinics might have reduced their operating hours, so contact them to find out before you drop in. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

You can also expect stricter hygiene and sanitisation procedures implemented at the clinic. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

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British Veterinary Hospital requests clients to stay in their cars when they come in to pick up pet food or get their pet checked.

Pet food is delivered to customers in their cars. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

Every bag of pet food entering the clinic is sanitised once again. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

Customers can ring the bell or make a phone call for the bag to be delivered to their car. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

Energetic Panacea Veterinary Clinic has also made some changes.

They have limited the number of people who can be in the clinic - whether in the waiting area or accompanying the animal. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

Only one adult is allowed, with children urged to not come to the clinic temporarily. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

The clinic has a disinfection station outside, with hand sanitisers, gloves and masks. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

Many clinics are also offering pick-up and drop-off services for pet consultations, tests and procedures. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

Energetic Panacea clinic said it was also offering telephone consultations. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

It is important to prioritise the reasons for visiting the clinic in the current circumstances. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

If the need is urgent, you can visit the clinic. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

Dr Sarah Elliott said that this included vaccinations, which needed to be up-to-date. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

Picture used for illustrative purposes only.