Connecticut: Help Expand Access to Vet Care!

a hound on a couch next to an elderly woman with a laptop
S.B. 190 — Remove Barriers to Vet Care
 
ASPCA Position: Support

The Connecticut General Assembly has the power to improve access to veterinary care by passing an important bill that will enable veterinarians to use telehealth technology — a.k.a. telemedicine — to deliver safe, effective and convenient veterinary appointments for new and existing patients. They could vote on this bill at any moment, and YOUR voice can persuade them to vote YES. Please take action today!

People are taking advantage of telehealth appointments for their own medical care, and it’s time for Connecticut to extend the benefits of this technology fully to the veterinary field.

Why Veterinary Telemedicine Is Essential

Video calls with veterinarians can treat a wide range of ailments and facilitate routine, preventive services, and pets can remain comfortable and calm at home while they receive the care they need.

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 would benefit immensely from better access to remote care.

The veterinary industry is facing a critical shortage of professionals in the workforce, and Connecticut families are struggling to access care for their pets. As we have seen in human medicine, expanding access to telemedicine helps bridge gaps in care caused by workforce shortages or other barriers to healthcare access.

What You Can Do

Contact your state lawmakers today! Please complete the brief form below to send an email urging your senator to expand access to veterinary telemedicine in Connecticut.