CO: Oppose Efforts to Restrict Access to Vet Care!

CO H.B. 24-1048—Proposed Bill to Block Access to Remote Vet Care

ASPCA Position: Oppose

Sponsors: Reps. McCormick & Martinez, Senators Ginal & Pelton

Update—April 19, 2024: Despite our collaborative efforts to protect access to veterinary telemedicine, this restrictive bill was signed into law today. The new law erects unnecessary barriers for Coloradans who already have difficulty accessing vet care in the face of an ongoing veterinary shortage in the state. However, the Governor did hear our collective concerns and has expressed disappointment in how the bill limits telemedicine. He also shared his desire for the state to take future action to remove those barriers. Thank you for your support throughout the 2024 legislative session.

Why Veterinary Virtual Care Is Important

This new law will restrict access to remote veterinary appointments by requiring in-person exams, and it could not happen at a worse time for Coloradans. The state is facing an unprecedented veterinary shortage, and more than half of Colorado pet owners report that they are unable to access veterinary care. This law will further limit treatment options for pets throughout Colorado.

Video calls with veterinarians from the comfort of a pet’s home can help treat a host of ailments and expedite routine, preventive services, and this option should be available broadly to all families and Colorado-licensed vets.

Veterinary telemedicine is a lifeline for pet owners who live in remote or underserved areas, struggle to afford vet care, or who face other obstacles such as work schedules that conflict with normal clinic hours. Pets who are large, frightened of going to the vet, a little spicy with other animals or difficult to transport benefit immensely from better access to virtual care.

The veterinary industry is facing a critical shortage of professionals in the workforce. As we have seen in human medicine, expanding access to video telemedicine helps patients get seen despite workforce shortages and other barriers to healthcare.

What You Can Do

Please use the form below to send a message to Governor Polis, thanking him for both recognizing the importance of veterinary telehealth and advocating for increasing access to it during future sessions.

Advocacy Alert

Your Message

Subject Please Continue Advocating for Full Access to Telehealth

Dear Governor Polis,

Message

While I am disappointed that H.B. 24-1048 became law because this bill creates unnecessary barriers for Coloradans who already have difficulty accessing vet care, I wanted to thank you for acknowledging these challenges in your signing statement. I share your disappointment and also hope to see Colorado become a leader in equitable access to veterinary care so our pets can live healthier lives. Please continue advocating for access to veterinary telehealth and encouraging the Colorado General Assembly to find ways to remove the barriers that H.B. 24-1048 implements.

Again, thank you for recognizing the barriers to veterinary care access that H.B. 24-1048 poses and for urging further work on this issue.

Sincerely,

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

Your Information

Salutation *

Alternate Salutation

Most elected officials’ constituent email systems accept a very limited set of salutations. Please select the one you would most prefer.

First Name *

Last Name *

Address *

Apt./Unit

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Phone Number *

Email Address *

Yes, sign me up to receive text messages from the ASPCA*

Yes, the ASPCA may use my phone number to call me

E-mail Opt-in

Yes, I would like to receive email from ASPCA

We submit your correspondence through officials' contact forms and therefore must provide the information that they require. They may contact you by email or phone in response to your message.

* By opting in, I agree to receive periodic text messages from the ASPCA. Text STOP to opt-out, HELP for more info.

Message and data rates may apply. Terms & Conditions / Privacy Policy

Leave this field blank