WA: Remove Barriers to Veterinary Telemedicine!

WA H.B. 2247—Veterinary Telemedicine

ASPCA Position: Support

Sponsors: Reps. Lekanoff and Parshley

Update — March 5, 2026: A state senate committee advanced this bill in February, but it awaits a vote by the full Washington Senate. This bill is critical for the people and pets of Washington, and time is running out! Please urge your lawmakers to push this bill forward for a full Senate vote and vote YES to expand access to veterinary care.

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, and your voice can persuade lawmakers to advance it!

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. To expand access to veterinary telemedicine, we need your voice today!

What You Can Do

Don't delay! Washington's legislative session ends on March 12. Please complete the brief form below TODAY to email your state lawmakers, and urge them to advance House Bill 2247 to expand access to veterinary telemedicine in Washington.

Advocacy Alert

Your Message

Subject Please Vote YES on H.B. 2247 for Veterinary Telemedicine

Dear Lawmaker,

Message

As a constituent who resides in your district, I urge you to vote yes on House Bill 2247. This legislation would ensure that Washington families with pets can access critical veterinary care 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, telemedicine can help bridge gaps in care created by workforce shortages or other barriers. Veterinary telemedicine can be an indispensable tool for Washingtonians when they face challenges getting their pets to a clinic due to disability, transportation issues, or because they have fearful, potentially aggressive or anxious pets. Updating Washington’s outdated law and expanding access to veterinary telemedicine 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 challenges associated with cost and transportation. Please allow Washington’s residents to benefit from the safety and convenience of veterinary telemedicine by supporting H.B. 2247.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

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

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