News & Resources

COVID-19 Updates

Dear Clients,

Pine Bush Equine Services (PBES) continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely.  We are working hard to abide by the recommendations and restrictions as they are given by Governor Cuomo, President Trump, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Association of Equine Practitioners. We realize this health situation has already been disruptive to many businesses and wanted to share facts about our updates and changes that we’re doing to support both our customers and employees. PBES is asking some assistance from everyone by doing the following:

• Please respect social distancing meaning, no hand-shaking, no fist or elbow bumps, and no hugs.

• If you are sick and your horse has a non-urgent appointment, we encourage you to reschedule. COVID-19 symptoms can be found here:  https:/www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

• If both you and your horse are sick, we still want to take care of your horse. We ask that you call ahead to let us know. We ask that you not attend the appointment, and we will be sure to bring help to handle your horse. Your veterinarian will contact you by phone to discuss the findings and recommendations.

• Before your appointment, our staff will call and ask you several questions in order to establish a risk protocol for the appointment.  Questions will include if you have traveled outside of the United States in the last 2 weeks, if you are ill, or if you or anyone in your family has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or is suspicious for the disease.  Risk assessment information:  

http://www.cdc.gov/cornoavirus/2019-ncov/php/risk-assessment.html

• If you or anyone in your family suspects exposure to COVID-19, we recommend that you call your healthcare professional to discuss this matter.  We ask that you make us aware so that we can make appropriate accommodations to take care of your horse.

Ambulatory Appointments:

• In order to abide by social distancing recommendations, our veterinarians will travel by themselves as much as possible. If during your appointment they need to be within 6ft of another person, they will don personal protective equipment including gloves and masks.

• Disinfecting procedures have been established by PBES for equipment that is handled during appointments.  Protocols to limit exposure between farms have also been expanded and will be in place moving forward.

Hospital Appointments:

• We are no longer allowing clients to enter buildings at the clinic.  This is an effort to limit the number of people touching common surfaces.  We ask that you call the office when you arrive at the clinic and a staff member will come to your truck and greet you.  

• During your appointment we ask that you respect 6ft of social distancing.  If your horse requires entering the clinic for their appointment (radiographs or other diagnostic procedures), we will ask that you wait in your vehicle and the veterinarian will speak to you when they are finished.

• Payment will be taken at your vehicle by credit card, cash, or check.

• If your horse requires medication to be picked up we will ask that you pay by phone and we will leave the medication in a designated area outside for you to pick up.  If you wish to pay by cash or check we will make arrangements where this payment should be left. You will not need to enter the office.

The AVMA has advocated for all veterinary hospitals and ambulatory practices to be considered essential businesses. Veterinarians provide important animal and public health surveillance and deliver necessary medical care for ill animals. So when other companies are asked to close for COVID-19 risk mitigation, veterinary practices, including Pine Bush Equine Services, will remain open. (AAEP recommendations,  AVMANYS) During this time of risk mitigation, we will be doing the following:

• We are considering elective surgical procedures on a case by case basis to preserve medical supplies.  

• We will continue to provide medically necessary care for our patients. 

• We will work to ensure an appropriate level of biosecurity that safeguards the health of our patients, their owners, and our staff.

• We encourage you to reach out using telemedicine as a way to communicate with your veterinarian. If you already have a veterinary-client-patient relationship, telemedicine can help us to triage your horse appropriately. Telemedicine helps us ensure that only those horses needing an examination have veterinarians traveling to the farm. If you have questions about this or what constitutes a veterinary-client-patient relationship, please call.  Consult fees may apply for telemedicine consults.

• During this time, we will be trying to minimize our staff that stays at the clinic to maximize social distancing.  

• In addition to our regular biosecurity protocols, we will be adding additional measures to keep you and our employees safe.  

We will be updating this site periodically so please check back if you have questions.  Also, feel free to call your veterinarian or the clinic at 845-361-4917.

We know that the current situation brings a lot of anxiety. Please remember that Pine Bush Equine Services and Veterinary Hospital remains steadfast and confident in our ability to navigate these uncertain times. We will work hard to protect you, your horses, and our team members.

Sincerely,

The Doctors and Staff of Pine Bush Equine Services