Update — June 23, 2025: The Rhode Island House of Representatives passed this bill unanimously, demonstrating that your advocacy made a difference. Unfortunately, this bill did not receive the Senate votes it needed to advance this year. With your help, we will continue fighting for better access to veterinary telehealth during future legislative sessions.
State lawmakers have the power to help more Rhode Island families access veterinary care for their pets by passing an important bill that enables veterinarians to use telehealth technology — a.k.a. telemedicine — to deliver safe, effective and convenient veterinary appointments for new and existing patients.
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
Thank you for each action you took to support this bill. Please join our Mobile Action Team to stay informed of breaking news and urgent actions you can take to continue advocating for animals.
