WA: Remove Barriers to Veterinary Telemedicine!

WA H.B. 2247—Veterinary Telemedicine

ASPCA Position: Support

Sponsors: Reps. Lekanoff and Parshley

Update — March 12, 2026: Great news — in the final hours of Washington's legislative session, the Washington Legislature passed this bill! Please help it cross the finish line by urging Governor Ferguson to sign it into law.

State lawmakers have the power to help more Washington families access veterinary care for their pets. They are considering an important bill that will enable veterinarians to use telemedicine technology to deliver safe, effective and convenient veterinary appointments for new and existing patients. This bill will remove unnecessary barriers that restrict access to veterinary telemedicine in the Evergreen State.

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

Why Veterinary Telemedicine Is Important

If your pet has ever become ill overnight when most veterinary clinics are closed, you know how vital it is to be able to connect with a licensed veterinarian quickly. Telemedicine makes vet care more accessible in situations like this and offers pet owners safe and convenient vet care for a wide range of ailments and preventative services.

Veterinary telemedicine is a lifeline for pet owners who live in remote or underserved areas or face other obstacles to care such as a demanding work schedule that conflicts with normal clinic hours. Pets who are frightened of going to the vet, potentially aggressive, large or difficult to transport can also benefit immensely from better access to veterinary telemedicine.

Furthermore, the veterinary industry is facing a critical shortage of professionals in the workforce, and families in Washington are struggling to access care for their pets. As we have seen in human medicine, video calls help bridge gaps in care caused by workforce shortages or other barriers to healthcare access.

What You Can Do

Please use our easy online form to urge Governor Ferguson to sign this bill into law to finally expand access to veterinary telemedicine in Washington.

Advocacy Alert

Your Message

Subject Please Sign H.B. 2247 to Expand Access to Veterinary Care

Dear Governor Ferguson,

Message

As a Washington resident concerned about the current veterinary care shortage, I write to ask for your support of H.B. 2247 -- please sign this bill into law to help pets across our state. This vital legislation would allow trusted, Washington-licensed veterinarians to utilize telehealth and ensure that Washingtonians can access critical veterinary care at a time when it is needed most. The veterinary industry is facing a detrimental shortage of professionals in the workforce, and as we have seen in human medicine, telehealth can help bridge gaps in care created by workforce shortages or other barriers. Veterinary telehealth will be an indispensable tool for Washingtonians who face challenges getting their pets to a clinic due to disability, transportation issues, or because they have fearful, potentially reactive or anxious pets. Updating Washington’s outdated regulations and expanding access to veterinary telehealth helps senior pet owners, those who live in underserved and remote areas, as well as those who have difficulty obtaining in-person medical care due to difficulties associated with cost and transportation. Please allow Washington’s residents to benefit from the safety and convenience of veterinary telehealth -- one component of addressing the access to veterinary care crisis -- by signing H.B. 2247 into law.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]
[Your Address]

Your Information

Salutation *

Alternate Salutation

Most elected officials’ constituent email systems accept a very limited set of salutations. Please select the one you would most prefer.

First Name *

Last Name *

Address *

Apt./Unit

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Phone Number *

Email Address *

Yes, sign me up to receive text messages from the ASPCA*

Yes, the ASPCA may use my phone number to call me

E-mail Opt-in

Yes, I would like to receive email from ASPCA

We submit your correspondence through officials' contact forms and therefore must provide the information that they require. They may contact you by email or phone in response to your message.

* By opting in, I agree to receive periodic text messages from the ASPCA. Text STOP to opt-out, HELP for more info.

Message and data rates may apply. Terms & Conditions / Privacy Policy

Leave this field blank