What veterinarians need to know

Health officials across the U.S. and all over the world are working hard to combat COVID-19. The AVMA is committed to providing factual, up-to-date information and resources to support the veterinary community in delivering services during the pandemic. This work includes providing care for pets; horses; livestock (including safeguarding the nation's food supply); laboratory animals; and aquatic, exotic, and wild animals – all work that is essential and helps protect both animal and human health.

In updating this material, the AVMA is in regular contact with federal agencies, such as the CDC, FDA, and USDA; other state, national, and international veterinary and public health expert groups; intergovernmental organizations such as the WHO and OIE; lawmakers, and others.

Here’s some of the information you’ll find to help the veterinary community and animal owners meet the challenges posed by COVID-19.

Interactive maps

View the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on veterinary professionals. Move the slider across the map to see the density of COVID-19 cases (red) and veterinary practices (blue) in your area.
  

About COVID-19

Understand what’s known about COVID-19 in both people and animals:

• Origin and spread
• Symptoms, transmission, prevention, and treatment
• Impacts on animals of various species
• How veterinary practices are impacted
• Vaccines and vaccination

Practice resources

Find practical resources to protect your veterinary team while continuing to provide needed patient care including:

• Clinic signage and other downloadable communication tools

• Team health and safety

• Triaging and caring for patients while practicing social distancing
• Guidance on whether/how to test animals
• Telemedicine guidance and tools
• Drug and medical supply chain impacts

Legislation and relief programs

Learn about government measures passed in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including:

• How federal relief programs affect veterinary business and workers

• How to apply for business loans and other relief
• Student loan information
• State orders on essential businesses, telemedicine, PPE, CE, and more

Business and economics

Get practical information and resources to manage the business impacts of the pandemic:

• Managing cash flow to stay afloat

• Contractual obligations
• Hiring during the pandemic
• Economic impacts and the 3 Cs for business success
• Essential employee authorization template

Wellbeing

Find tips and information to support personal wellbeing in this time of uncertainty and grief:

• Tips to maintain wellbeing during the pandemic

• Webinars and podcasts on managing grief and nurturing self care