Florida: Expand Access to Critical Vet Care!

H.B. 849/S.B. 1040—Providing Equity in Telehealth Services (P.E.T.S.) Act
ASPCA Position: Support
Sponsors: Senator Bradley, Reps. Killebrew & Buchanan 

Update—March 6, 2024: Exciting news: this bill just passed the Florida Legislature unanimously! In the coming weeks, it will be delivered to Governor DeSantis. Help this bill cross the finish line by asking the Governor to sign it into law when it reaches his desk.

We are working to empower veterinarians in the Sunshine State to use veterinary telemedicine to expand access to virtual veterinary care. Florida needs to pass legislation to ensure that licensed veterinarians can connect with pet owners using the internet or video calls, enabling pets to remain in their comfortable home environment.

Currently, an outdated, pre-COVID era Florida law blocks veterinarians from practicing veterinary medicine or prescribing medication unless they have recently examined the animal in person. This has been a difficult, often unnecessary obstacle for many pet owners, animal shelters and veterinarians, especially at a time when there is a dangerous shortage of veterinary professionals to serve pets.

More About Veterinary Telemedicine

The stress and anxiety of an in-person veterinary visit can often cause pets to exhibit fearful or aggressive behaviors. Also, an in-person veterinary visit can present a difficult barrier for pet owners who have limited access to transportation, limited time off from work, those who live in veterinary deserts, or for those who are disabled and elderly and cannot take pets in themselves without additional help.

Telemedicine, also called virtual or remote appointments, can benefit ALL pet owners and pets—especially anxious, large or arthritic animals, and those living in rural or underserved areas. It even benefits veterinarians, allowing them to continue providing excellent, efficient patient care when staffing shortages make their caseloads heavier than usual.

What You Can Do

Please use the form below to send a message asking Governor DeSantis to sign Florida's veterinary telemedicine bill into law when it reaches his desk!