Victory for People and Pets in California!

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CA A.B. 1399—Veterinary Telemedicine
CA A.B. 781—Disaster Preparedness and Sheltering

ASPCA Position: Support

Update—October 9, 2023: HOORAY! Two important bills for people with pets were signed into law by Governor Newsom!

California’s veterinary telehealth bill (A.B. 1399) and its disaster preparedness and sheltering bill (A.B. 781) passed both chambers with overwhelming support in September. They were signed this weekend by California's Governor, and both laws will go into effect on January 1, 2024. Thank you for each action you took to advocate for California's pets and pet owners. YOU helped these bills cross the finish line!

California’s Veterinary Telehealth Bill

Assembly Bill 1399 will remove unnecessary barriers that restrict access to virtual veterinary care in the Golden State.

California is a leader in technological innovation, but surprisingly it is one of the most restrictive states in the country for the use of veterinary telemedicine. Amidst a veterinary workforce shortage and long waits for vet appointments, A.B. 1399 will increase access to care across California by expanding access to veterinary telehealth. People are taking advantage of virtual appointments for their own medical care, and it’s time for California to allow the benefits of this technology to apply to our pets. This bill will be a lifeline for pet owners who live in remote or underserved areas or face other obstacles to care, like transportation or mobility challenges, difficulty getting time off from work or having pets who are stressed by visits in the clinic.

California’s Disaster Preparedness and Sheltering Bill

Assembly Bill 781 will help families with pets stay safe during natural disasters and extreme weather events. This bill will require local governments to designate pet-friendly sheltering sites so families have a safe and comfortable place to go during extreme weather events.

There are not enough public shelters in California that accommodate pets, and this has negatively impacted families with pets during natural disasters and extreme weather events, putting residents and first responders at risk. Those who are denied shelter with their pets may refuse evacuation, threatening their own safety and that of first responders. This bill could help prevent many potentially life-threatening situations and ensure that no Californian is forced to choose between seeking safety and staying with their beloved pet.

How You Can Help

Celebrate! Please use the form below to send a pre-drafted message to Governor Newsom thanking him for signing both bills (A.B. 781 and A.B. 1399) into law.

Advocacy Alert

Your Message

Subject Thanks for Signing Bills to Help Pets! (A.B. 781/A.B. 1399)

Dear Governor Newsom,

Message

I would like to express my gratitude for your leadership in signing A.B. 781 (Maienschein) and A.B. 1399 (Friedman, Lowenthal). Together, these two bills solidify California’s reputation as the leader in animal welfare in the U.S and improve the lives of California pet owners and our pets.

A.B. 781 (Maienschein) will ensure that when the next disaster or extreme weather event strikes, no Californian will be forced to choose between seeking safety and staying with their pet. Ensuring that at least one pet-friendly emergency shelter is available will improve public safety and community resilience across emergency planning, response and recovery.

A.B. 1399 (Friedman, Lowenthal), will help expand access to veterinary care across California using veterinary telehealth at a time when pet owners are waiting weeks, even months, for an appointment, and will ease access for residents who experience logistical, geographic, transportation and other challenges getting their pets to a veterinary clinic. Your signature provides a powerful tool for California’s access-to-care toolkit.

Thank you for recognizing the importance of the bond between Californians and our pets. I am grateful for your leadership and thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]
[Your Address]

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