AVMA Statement on Senate Passage of Families First Coronavirus Response Act

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) President Dr. John Howe released the following statement in response to passage of Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

“Veterinary practices are essential businesses that are critical to animal and human health and welfare, and the integrity of the food supply. Veterinarians also play critical public health and research roles in the response to COVID-19.”

Howe continued, “Like so many small businesses, veterinary practices are being impacted by the outbreak. AVMA recognizes the Families First Coronavirus Response Act just passed by Congress is a compromise approach attempting to address the immediate needs of employees while attempting to mitigate the impact to small businesses. However, many veterinary small businesses do not have the liquidity or cash flow to sustain the economic impacts of the outbreak for a long period of time. The AVMA looks forward to working with Congress as it now turns to additional legislative action to address the economy and the economic viability of small businesses across the country. We will continue to work closely with the small business community to ensure that veterinary practices and their employees thrive.”