State lawmakers have the power to help more Rhode Island families access veterinary care for their pets. They 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. Your lawmakers could vote on this bill at any moment, and YOUR voice can persuade them to vote YES.
Lane closures and construction delays on Rhode Island's bridges and roadways have made it increasingly difficult to get pets to the vet. Telemedicine will help pets receive some of the care they need without having to leave home. People are taking advantage of telehealth appointments for their own medical care, and it’s time for Rhode Island to extend the benefits of this technology fully to the veterinary field.
Video calls with vets can treat a wide range of ailments and facilitate routine, preventive services, and pets can 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 Rhode Island 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
Don’t delay, your state lawmakers need to hear from you today! Please complete the brief form below to send an email urging your lawmakers to expand access to veterinary telemedicine in Rhode Island.
Once you’ve submitted the form, please call (401) 222-2447 to reach the office of Speaker Joe Shekarchi. Whether you reach a person or an answering machine, say:
I am a Rhode Islander calling to ask Speaker Shekarchi to support amended H.B. 5555 to increase access to veterinary telehealth and help more pets get the healthcare they need. Thank you for your consideration of my position.
