Covid-19 update

March 21, 2020 by Valley Vet

Todays update: March 21, 2020

We are updating our operations in order to follow New York State mandates. In order to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and to save on personal protective equipment for medical personnel. We are currently operating for essential and emergency services only. There will NOT be any non-essential appointments including nail trims, well visits, non-essential surgeries or non-essential procedures.

We are having clients stay in their cars. Please call us when you arrive and we will bring your pet into the building for treatment. If you are in need of medications, we will take your order and payment over the phone, then deliver it to you in the parking lot when you come to pick it up.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. We are truly living in unprecedented times. We are grateful for our community and clients as we adapt to the Covid-19 situation.

We are closely monitoring this situation with the CDC, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the State Veterinary Society (NYSVMS), and the state and local levels of New York. I anticipate more aggressive measures may need to be taken in the future, but we are doing the best we can to keep our hospital open for you and your furry family at this time.

In good health,
Dr. Lauren Roginski and the Staff of Valley Veterinary Hospital

Excerpts from March 13th’s newsletter that I think warrant repeating:

“There are no known exposures at Valley Veterinary Hospital at this time. In addition to our regular cleaning, we have been and will continue to disinfect all commonly touched surfaces throughout the business day: door knobs, door frames, benches, the front desk, credit card processors, etc.”
“Currently, we do not have evidence that our pets can become sick from COVID-19. Also, infectious disease experts do not believe that our pets can spread COVID-19 to people. However, It is important at this time to remind everyone to wash your hands effectively and frequently. Feel free to ask to wash your hands when you are at Valley Vet for an appointment. Please try to keep personal space in the waiting room, when possible. As best as you can, please give the Doctor and staff personal space in the exam rooms as we care for your beloved pets.

(Covid-19) update

March 13, 2020 by Valley Vet

Update: March 21, 2020

We are updating our operations in order to follow New York State mandates. In order to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and to save on personal protective equipment for medical personnel. We are currently operating for essential and emergency services only. There will NOT be any non-essential appointments including nail trims, well visits, non-essential surgeries or non-essential procedures.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. We are truly living in unprecedented times. We are grateful for our community and clients as we adapt to the COVID-19 situation.

Excerpts from March 13th’s newsletter that I think warrant repeating:

Currently, we do not have evidence that our pets can become sick from COVID-19. Also, infectious disease experts do not believe that our pets can spread COVID-19 to people. However, It is important at this time to remind everyone to wash your hands effectively and frequently. Feel free to ask to wash your hands when you are at Valley Vet for an appointment. Please try to keep personal space in the waiting room, when possible. As best as you can, please give the Doctor and staff personal space in the exam rooms as we care for your beloved pets.

If you are sick with fever, cough, cold symptoms or other illness, please do not bring your pet to Valley Vet for an exam or check up. Please call to discuss an alternative way to assess your pets needs. Our staff and veterinarians will be happy to work with you to discuss your pets problems and your concerns. It is important that we all work together to minimize risks of spreading illness to other people at this time.

Please know, my staff and I are here for you, your family, and your furry friends. If you cannot come to Valley Vet, please do not hesitate to call to discuss your needs. We are a family-oriented business, and we will continue to serve you and the community through this ever-changing situation.

With care and compassion for good health for everyone,

Dr. Lauren Roginski

Veterinarian and Owner of Valley Veterinary Hospital

Traveling With Your Pet

June 15, 2017 by Valley Vet

Pet Travel – Travel safely with your pet by car, bus, train or boat

There are many considerations for traveling with pets. First you should determine if it would be easier on your pet to stay at home with a friend or pet sitter, or boarded at a reputable facility. Next, make sure your pet is good at traveling.

Planning ahead is essential!

Whatever mode of transportation you use to travel make sure your pet is both micro-chipped and wears a collar with complete identification tag, microchip tag, rabies tag and license tag. Remember to check if your contact information is current with your microchip company.

Use a sturdy crate or carrier that has adequate space for your pet to stand and turn around, is well ventilated, has room for food and water, and closes securely. A leak proof bottom is also good. Make sure your dog is used to urinating and defecating while walking on a leash.

While many hotels, motels, campgrounds, airlines, and trains might allow pets, there is often only a limited number of spaces per flight, or rooms allotted for pets. You should contact all stages (airline, hotel, etc.) to make sure your pet will be allowed.

Make sure your pet is used to the carrier, crate or restraint needed for travel.

Keep a current photo of your pet with you in case they get lost. It will be easier to make “lost” posters.

Make sure to pack your pet’s food, water and food bowls, medication, vaccination and health certificates, toys, beds/blankets, extra leash. Don’t forget the water!

Interstate Travel requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (Health Certificate). It needs to be issued within 10 days of travel. As soon as you know your travel dates, call and schedule your exam appointment.

International Travel

Requirements vary by country. Contact www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel as soon as you know your travel dates. Some countries require a quarantine period or vaccination titers.

Air Travel

Contact your airline as early as possible to find out their regulations and what reservations are needed for your pet. Also have a backup travel plan for your pet in case weather conditions (too hot or too cold) at the departure, connecting, or arrival airports cause the airline to refuse to transport your animal. The American Veterinary Medical Association web page www.avma.org has great tips on air travel with pets.

Car Travel

Make sure your pet is comfortable traveling by car. If your pet gets car sick, check with the veterinarian for appropriate medication. Your pet should be restrained or in a carrier. This is for your pet’s safety as well as your own.

Plan on rest stops about every two hours for exercise and potty breaks.

Never let pets hang their heads out the window (even if they like it), dirt particles and bugs can injure their eyes, and breathing in cold air can lead to illness.

DO NOT leave your pet in a locked car on hot days. It takes only a few minutes for your pet to suffer from heat stroke and can die. Studies have shown it only takes 10 minutes for a car’s interior to raise 19 degrees!

A small first aid kit is also helpful.

Bus Travel

Contact the bus company directly. Greyhound is very strict and only allows certified service dogs.

Train Travel

Contact the rail company directly. Amtrak now allows a limited number of pets, but there are many restrictions.

Boat Travel

Contact the cruise line directly. Most ferries allow pets in carriers, or in restricted areas, contact the ferry company directly.