The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), published a set of guidelines on safely interacting with clients during this time. Our veterinarians and staff will be following these guidelines as they continue to care for your horses. We are also adding two useful links below with information form the AVMA and CDC. If you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment with one of our vets, please call us at 707-721-4402 or visit our booking page.
Here is an excerpt from AAEP's message. You can read the full message by clicking on the link below this excerpt.
In order to mitigate the risk of exposure to COVID-19 during interactions with clients, the AAEP Infectious Disease Committee shares the following advice for veterinary professionals:
Require hand sanitization for all clients entering and leaving a clinic/hospital.
Institute for staff a no-hand-shake policy with clients and visitors to the clinic/hospital as well as with each other. Hand sanitization between all client interactions should be required.
Limit the number of individuals attending an appointment to one owner or handler per horse. Additional owners can be asked to join the appointment via FaceTime or speakerphone.
Ensure that those responsible for cleaning your practice, ambulatory vehicle and equipment are using appropriate disinfectants for COVID-19. These products are effective in killing viral pathogens, including COVID-19. Focus cleaning efforts on door and stall handles, railings, flat door handles, shared practice equipment and other frequently touched surfaces.
Prior to each upcoming appointment, communicate your healthy practice procedures to clients. Reschedule the appointments of any clients exhibiting symptoms of illness that include cough, fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher) and/or shortness of breath, or have traveled to an area of active COVID-19 transmission within the previous two weeks. Access CDC travel information here. If an animal must receive immediate medical evaluation and the owner is ill, ask the owner to arrange for another individual to be present.
Temporarily waive cancellation policies for ill owners.
Conduct telemedicine rechecks for patients when possible.
Reschedule client education seminars and other group practice events.
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