After weeks of shutdown, states around the country have begun introducing plans for reopening. However, like the restrictions themselves, guidance and timelines for states reopening vary widely across the country. Consequently, needs of the veterinary market in one state may differ from those in another. Use these resources to plan your next steps for your business in the veterinary industry.
4 Must-Read Reopening Resources
1. State-by-State Information from the AVMA
The AVMA has issued a list of state-by-state measures. They’re updating the list as information becomes available.
The list covers several topics, including:
- Provisions for the use of telemedicine
- Elective procedure orders
- Changes in veterinary continuing education (CE) requirements
- Directives for pharmacy
Bookmark this page and stay up-to-date as state orders change.
2. Safety Guidance from the CDC
The CDC has released interim infection prevention and control guidance for veterinary clinics.
This comprehensive resource contains detailed information on several topics, including the following:
- What we know about animal transmission of COVID-19
- Guidelines for screening and handling animals
- Tips for communicating with pet owners
- Disinfection guidelines
You can see the guidelines here.
3. CE and Business Guidelines from the AAVSB
The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) also has a resource center listing state-by-state changes in light of COVID-19.
This resource center lists jurisdictions that have modified business practices, the most current CE requirement changes, and guideline changes for telehealth.
Be sure to read through the list as you work through your own business reopening plans.
4. Veterinary Business Impact Tracker from VetSuccess
VetSuccess has created a Veterinary Industry Impact Tracker with data from more than 2,500 veterinary practices. The data helps visualize year-over-year changes in daily revenue and invoices.
The tracker reveals disparities in the impact of COVID-19 on large versus small practices. It also shows the shift in what sales are making up the current revenue mix.
As states begin to recover—and, in some rare cases, experience growth—this information can be helpful for strategizing geotargeted initiatives.
State-by-State Reopening Plans
Several news outlets, including CNN and The New York Times, are updating state-by-state reopening lists almost daily. Guidelines vary widely, even in between cities or counties in the same state. As you make plans for your business, be sure you’re caught up with the latest regulations.
Many states, like Tennessee, Texas, and Oklahoma, are implementing capacity restrictions for businesses to help maintain social distancing guidelines. Likewise, in Kentucky, where a phased state reopening has begun, both customers and employees are asked to wear face masks.
For veterinary clinics, capacity restrictions and social distancing guidelines may apply in states where requirements are in place.
To comply with requirements to operate at 25%-50% capacity, veterinary practices may extend the use of telehealth and drop-off treatments to continue meeting demand in the veterinary market.
Above all, if your team plans to resume clinic visits for in-office sales calls or demonstrations, consider communicating a safety protocol before you visit. Here are a few guidelines for implementing a post-COVID-19 sales call protocol for your organization.