It’s a new year, and you have vowed to get in shape and improve your health. Although you might have made this resolution before only to fall back into old habits before the end of January, you mean it this time. The good news is that having a pet gives you even more motivation to achieve better health. Not only does the love of your furry companion give you the incentive to take better care of yourself, but it encourages you to improve your pet’s health as well.

FARM PROGRAM REQUIRES VCPR

            You will need to go through the new 3.0 Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program to be able to sell your milk this year if you didn’t do it last year.  The FARM 3.0 program is the new standard that includes the prohibition on tail docking that went into effect Jan 2017. 

            FARM 3.0 also requires a veterinarian’s signature certifying that you have a valid Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (VCPR) with that vet.  Sally has already signed quite a few of these forms, but some of you were not due for a renewal until this year.

            If Sally has not been on your farm for over a year, she will not be able to sign a VCPR form for you.  The VCPR is very specific that a relationship includes visits to the farm and examinations of the animals involved.  A VCPR cannot be maintained only by phone or discussions at the clinic.  We appreciate all your business, but please keep in mind that prescribing antibiotics for your animals whether for injections or in the feed must include visits to examine the animals involved.

Looking For a Special Gift for Your Pet?

Your pet is a loved and valuable member of your family, so it only makes sense that you want to buy him a special holiday gift. If you decide on a toy, we at Lancaster Veterinary Clinic would like to remind you of the following important safety considerations:

• Your pet’s size: This is especially important when purchasing a chewable toy. A squeaky toy ball, for example, would be fine for a cat but not a large dog due to the potential choking hazard.

• Stuffing material: Beads, foam, and other stuffing material could come loose from the toy if your pet bites it or tears it apart. If you choose a stuffed toy, be sure to supervise your pet until you know how she will react to it.

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