State lawmakers are considering 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. A committee will hold a public hearing on this bill in October, 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 the Commonwealth to extend the benefits of this technology fully to the veterinary field. We need your help encouraging lawmakers to advance this bill and ignore misguided attempts to block telehealth access for new or lapsed pet patients.
Video calls with vets can treat a wide range of ailments like itchy ears and skin issues and facilitate routine, preventive services like flea and tick treatment all while pets remain comfortable and calm at home.
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 Massachusetts 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
Please complete the brief form below to send an email urging your lawmakers to expand access to veterinary telemedicine in Massachusetts.
