Doctors back bill expanding pet telehealth
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – A bill would expand access to veterinary telemedicine.
The bill, filed by Rep. James Buchanan, R-Osprey, would establish framework for the practice of veterinary telemedicine.
Currently, Florida law does not address veterinary telemedicine.
The bill, titled PETS Act, would give individuals the choice of how and where they want their pet to be treated.
In 2020, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation issued a coronavirus pandemic emergency order that suspended all laws and regulations that interfere with a veterinarian’s ability to use telemedicine.
Last year, supporters of the bill said Hurricane Ian reinforced the need for Florida pet owners to be able to access veterinary telemedicine.
According to the Access to Veterinary Care Project, counties across Florida have low access to veterinary care.
Florida has a Veterinary Care Accessibility Score of 43 out of 100, which is a failing grade that places the state near the bottom one-third of states across the country.
According to a press release, telemedicine is useful for potentially aggressive or fearful pets, specialty care, terminal disease management, and more.
“Veterinary telemedicine can reduce animal suffering, address financial, logistical and geographic barriers to veterinary care, and extend the capacity of animal shelters to serve their communities,” Senior Regional Manager for the ASPCA’s Southern Division Jennifer Hobgood said.
Veterinary clinics and animal hospitals, animal shelter medicine, and food animal medicine are facing a critical shortage of veterinarians and other veterinary professionals in the workforce.
“A significant shortage of veterinarians in Florida hinders Floridians from accessing veterinary care,” Florida veterinarian Dr. Robert Weedon said.
“So many animals that I see for spay/neuter surgery have never been to a veterinarian prior to coming in for spay/neuter. Broadening professional access to veterinary telemedicine with The P.E.T.S. Act would help address this lack of accessible care.”
Supporters said expanding access to virtual care will help ease the strain on veterinary healthcare amplified by the ongoing shortage of veterinary professionals and may lower the number of animals surrendered to overburdened animal shelters and instances of veterinary medical neglect.
