State lawmakers are planning to meet in a committee soon to discuss this bill. Your voice can persuade them to support it — please take action today!
Lawmakers in Colorado are considering a bill that will empower veterinarians to use telehealth technology to provide safe, convenient and effective veterinary care to new and existing patients.
Telehealth will modernize high-quality veterinary care and make it more accessible to pet owners. People are taking advantage of virtual appointments for their own medical care, and it’s time for the Centennial State to extend the benefits of this technology to the veterinary field.
Telemedicine makes it possible to connect with a licensed veterinarian quickly and conveniently, and it benefits a wide range of people and pets. Video calls with vets from the comfort of a pet’s home can help treat a wide range of ailments and facilitate routine, preventive services.
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 frightened of going to the vet, potentially reactive, large or difficult to transport all benefit from better access to virtual care.
Additionally, the veterinary industry is facing a critical shortage of professionals in the workforce, and Colorado families are struggling to access care for their pets. According to the Veterinary Care Accessibility Project, counties across Colorado continue to have minimal access to veterinary care; Colorado has a failing Veterinary Care Accessibility Score.
As we have seen in human medicine, expanding access to video telemedicine helps bridge gaps in care caused by workforce shortages or other barriers.
What You Can Do
Join us for a week of action from March 10-14 to help move this bill forward! Here are five actions you can take to build support for this important bill. You can complete every action today or dedicate one action to each day of the week.
Action 1: Complete the brief form below to send an email urging your state senator to expand access to veterinary telemedicine in Colorado. Take Action
Action 2: Spread the word! Forward this page to five friends in Colorado and challenge them to take action.
Don’t be intimidated—this easy, one-minute call will make a big impression. Use our Legislator Lookup tool to find out who represents you in the State Senate. Dial the number provided, and ask to speak to your state senator. Once connected, simply say:
“Hello, my name is [your name], and I’m a constituent living in [your city]. I’m calling to urge my senator to please advance Colorado Senate Bill 159 to keep animals healthy and ensure that all Coloradans can access the veterinary care their pets need. Thank you.”
Draft your post or choose from one of our ideas below. Include a photo of your pet for good luck!
Every family in Colorado deserves access to the veterinary care their pets need. I urge my state lawmakers to create a more equitable Colorado by voting YES on S.B. 25-159! aspca.org/covetcare
Veterinary telehealth reduces stress for pets and pet parents! I hope my Colorado lawmakers will expand access to veterinary telehealth by voting YES on S.B. 25-159. aspca.org/covetcare
Action 5: Get your senator’s attention and raise awareness in your community by publishing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Email legislation@aspca.org for guidance!
