NYS Ag and Markets Interim Guidance for Veterinarians on Resumption of Elective Procedures

NYS Ag and Markets has issued a guidance document for veterinarians in resuming elective, non-urgent procedures in NYS. While emergency services and spay/neuter of companion animals were deemed essential during the initial PAUSE, practices are now released to perform other elective procedures as long as they are following guidelines to protect the public and clinic staff. Highlights include the following:

Communication with clients regarding new procedures and risk reduction
Patients seen by appointments only unless it is an emergency
Screening of clients and staff for COVID-19 signs or exposures
Curbside intake and discharge procedures, with limited client traffic in facilities
Adjustment of workplace hours and practices to reduce density of people
Mandatory face coverings and physical distancing practices

In order to resume business, leadership of clinics and organizations need to read and certify that they have read a detailed “master” document on various mandatory and recommended practices for all non-food agricultural related business.

In addition, the summary document specific to veterinary practice is posted below.