Veterinarian Office Cleaning Checklist [VIDEO]

September 8th, 2019 Vanguard Cleaning Systems of the Southern Valley

Veterinarian offices are complex facilities that require a multi-faceted approach to cleaning to ensure the health of all occupants and patients, as well as the hygiene of the facility.

Cleaning Checklist for Veterinarian Offices and Hospitals

Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment in veterinary facilities is crucial for the health and well-being of both pets and staff. Veterinary offices and hospitals experience high traffic from pets, owners, and employees, making effective cleaning practices essential.

Just like medical facilities for humans, veterinary spaces must be cleaned and disinfected to prevent the spread of diseases.

Key areas that require routine attention include waiting rooms, back offices, break rooms, restrooms, kennels, and exam rooms.

By following a structured cleaning checklist and utilizing medical-grade products, veterinary facilities can ensure a safe and healthy environment for all.

General Cleaning Guidelines

Emphasis on Medical-Grade Cleaning Products

Use medical-grade cleaning products to eliminate harmful pathogens.
Ensure products are effective against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
Regularly update and verify the efficacy of cleaning products used.

Importance of Microfiber Products and Electrostatic Disinfection

Microfiber products capture and hold more dirt, bacteria, and allergens compared to traditional cleaning materials.
Fine fibers in microfiber products reach into microscopic crevices, ensuring a deeper clean.
Electrostatic disinfection involves spraying an electrostatically charged mist onto surfaces.
This method ensures disinfectant wraps around and evenly coats all areas, including hard-to-reach spots.
Provides comprehensive coverage and disinfection in less time compared to manual methods.

Cross-Contamination Prevention with Color-Coded Microfiber and the Two-Bucket Cleaning Method

Implement a color-coded microfiber system to prevent cross-contamination.
Use different colors for different areas, such as one color for restrooms and another for exam rooms.
Employ the two-bucket cleaning method with one bucket for clean water and another for dirty water.
Ensures only clean water and disinfectant are applied to surfaces, preventing recontamination.

Daily Cleaning Tasks

Waiting Rooms

Clean door handles, faucet handles, coffee pot handles, light switches, chairs, tables, desk, computer equipment, and floors to remove germs and maintain a sanitary environment.
Use entry mats to reduce the amount of dirt and contaminants brought into the facility.
Perform immediate cleaning of pet accidents to prevent the spread of bacteria and odors.

Back Offices, Breakrooms, and Restrooms

Focus on high-touch surfaces and fomites, especially in people-centric areas, to minimize the risk of disease transmission.
Enforce hand washing and use of hand sanitizers among staff to promote hygiene and reduce the spread of germs.
Use safe cleaning products to avoid health issues and ensure a safe working environment for employees and visitors.

Weekly Deep Cleaning Tasks

Waiting Rooms

Perform vacuum scrubbing of floors to remove deeply embedded dirt, dust, and contaminants that accumulate over the week.
Thoroughly clean less frequently touched surfaces, such as window sills, baseboards, and wall fixtures. This prevents the buildup of allergens and pathogens.

Kennels and Exam Rooms

Clean all horizontal surfaces, including floors, cage bottoms, and exam tables, to ensure a hygienic environment for the pets.
Use EPA/EWG certified Safer Choice products for health-first cleaning, minimizing the use of toxic chemicals.
Utilize electrostatic disinfection for comprehensive coverage. This method ensures all surfaces are disinfected effectively, including hard-to-reach areas, providing a thorough and efficient clean.

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

Inspect and Clean Areas Not Part of Daily or Weekly Routines

Perform a thorough inspection of the entire facility to identify areas that are not covered in daily or weekly cleaning schedules.
Clean and sanitize seldom-used areas such as storage rooms, utility closets, and behind large equipment.
Pay special attention to areas prone to dust accumulation, mold, or pest infestations, ensuring they are addressed promptly.

Ensure All Cleaning Equipment is Maintained and in Good Working Condition

Conduct a comprehensive check of all cleaning equipment to ensure they are functioning correctly and efficiently.
Perform routine maintenance tasks such as replacing vacuum filters, sharpening mop heads, and checking the functionality of electrostatic sprayers.
Schedule professional servicing for more complex machinery to prevent breakdowns and ensure optimal performance.

Review and Restock Cleaning Supplies

Conduct an inventory check of all cleaning supplies to ensure adequate stock levels.
Order necessary cleaning products, focusing on maintaining a supply of medical-grade disinfectants and EPA/EWG certified products.
Dispose of expired or nearly depleted products to ensure the use of effective and safe cleaning agents.
Update the inventory management system to reflect current stock levels and facilitate future ordering.

Safety and Compliance

Maintaining a clean and compliant veterinary facility is essential not only for the health and safety of pets and staff but also to meet regulatory standards. Adhering to established safety and compliance protocols ensures a high level of care and trust in your facility.

Hospital Inspection Checklist (Based on VMB)

Regular inspections are crucial to ensuring that your facility complies with safety standards. Implementing a Hospital Inspection Checklist helps in:

Conducting regular inspections to identify and address potential safety hazards.
Ensuring all areas meet the required standards and regulations.
Documenting each inspection thoroughly to provide a clear record of compliance and areas needing improvement.
Adhering to established cleaning protocols to maintain a hygienic environment for both pets and staff.

AVMA Safety Standards

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) provides comprehensive safety standards that help veterinary facilities maintain high levels of safety and hygiene.

Key aspects include:

Development and implementation of written policies and procedures tailored to the specific needs of your facility. These documents serve as a blueprint for maintaining safety and hygiene.
Continuous monitoring and improvement of safety practices to ensure they remain effective and up-to-date with the latest industry standards.
Regular employee training on safety protocols and infection control measures to ensure that all staff members are knowledgeable and prepared to maintain a safe environment.

By integrating these safety and compliance practices, veterinary facilities can ensure a safe and healthy environment for pets, staff, and visitors.

Adhering to these standards not only protects health but also builds trust and confidence in the quality of care provided.

Infection Control

Infection control is a critical aspect of maintaining a safe and healthy veterinary facility.

Effective infection control measures prevent the transmission of diseases among pets, staff, and visitors, ensuring a secure environment for everyone.

Preventing Disease Transmission

Preventing the spread of diseases within a veterinary facility requires diligent practices to minimize the risk of infection. Key measures include:

Person-to-Person Transmission: Implement strict hand hygiene protocols, including regular hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers. Ensure staff members are trained to follow these protocols consistently.
Pets-to-People Transmission: Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks when handling pets, especially those showing signs of illness. Educate staff on the importance of using PPE to prevent zoonotic diseases.
Pets-to-Pets Transmission: Separate sick animals from healthy ones to reduce the risk of cross-infection. Use designated areas for treating and housing infected pets.

Guidelines for Cleaning and Disinfecting

Maintaining a rigorous cleaning and disinfection routine is essential to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Follow these guidelines to ensure a healthy environment:

Cleaning: Regularly clean all surfaces, including floors, counters, and equipment, using medical-grade cleaning products. Focus on high-touch areas such as door handles, light switches, and examination tables.
Disinfecting: After cleaning, apply disinfectants that are proven effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens. Utilize electrostatic sprayers to ensure comprehensive coverage, including hard-to-reach areas.
Routine Checks: Conduct routine checks to ensure that cleaning and disinfection protocols are being followed correctly. Document these checks to maintain a record of compliance and identify areas for improvement.

By implementing these infection control measures, veterinary facilities can significantly reduce the risk of disease transmission, ensuring the health and safety of pets, staff, and visitors.

These practices not only protect health but also enhance the reputation and trustworthiness of the facility.

References

Hospital Standards Self-Evaluation Checklist. (2017). https://vmb.ca.gov/forms_pubs/hosp_insp_chklst.pdf
‌AVMA Safety Manual. (2016) https://www.tuskegee.edu/Content/Uploads/Tuskegee/images/CVM/AVMA_Safety.pdf

Takeaway

Maintaining a clean and safe veterinary facility is crucial for the health and well-being of pets, staff, and visitors.

By adhering to rigorous cleaning protocols, utilizing medical-grade products, and implementing effective infection control measures, veterinary offices can prevent the spread of diseases and ensure a healthy environment.

Regular inspections and compliance with safety standards further reinforce the facility's commitment to high-quality care.

Outsourcing cleaning and maintenance to professional service providers can be a valuable strategy to achieve these goals.

Experienced cleaning services bring expertise, advanced equipment, and proven methods to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.

This not only enhances the facility's operational efficiency but also fosters trust and confidence among clients.

Prioritizing safety and cleanliness in veterinary facilities is essential for delivering exceptional care and ensuring the well-being of everyone who enters the facility.

Implementing comprehensive cleaning protocols, adhering to safety standards, and focusing on infection control are vital steps in creating a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment for pets and people alike.

If you would like more information regarding the advantages of a structured high-performance cleaning and disinfection program for your veterinary office, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation onsite assessment of your facilities infection prevention and control requirements, contact us today for a free quote!

In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 437-3253

In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253