Arizona Passes Bill to Expand Telemedicine for Pets
- Dr. Zeke Zekoff
- May 2
- 2 min read
A new bill was signed into law in Arizona on May 9, 2023, aimed at expanding access to veterinary care for pets across the state. Senate Bill 1053, introduced by Senator T.J. Shope, will now allow veterinarians licensed in Arizona to establish a veterinary-client relationship through telemedicine. This legislation was supported and put forward by the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) and the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA).
The new law enables veterinarians to use technology to provide virtual care to animals in need, addressing the shortage of veterinarians in the state. It is expected to particularly benefit pets in rural areas, economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, and tribal lands, where access to veterinary care is often limited. Steve Farley, CEO of HSSA, emphasized that this law will help veterinarians manage cases sooner, preventing them from becoming severe and improving animal welfare.
The Arizona Humane Society highlighted the growing problem of pet owners surrendering their animals due to medical reasons, noting a 13% increase in such surrenders in the past year. With clinics facing appointment wait times of up to six weeks, this new legislation aims to ensure that more pets can receive timely care and stay in their loving homes.
In addition to enabling virtual care, the law will also allow veterinarians to provide short-term, non-controlled substance prescriptions through telemedicine. Arizona is now one of the few states to adopt such a progressive measure.
To further support veterinary services in the state, AHS and HSSA have jointly advocated for the Veterinary Loan Assistance Program. This program offers student loan reimbursement of up to $100,000 for veterinarians who commit to working in Arizona for at least four years, with at least two of those years spent in a municipal, county, or nonprofit shelter, or in a USDA-designated agricultural shortage area.
The Arizona Humane Society and the Humane Society of Southern Arizona are key animal welfare organizations in the region. AHS, guided by its Ethical No-Kill Philosophy™, provides a range of services including a trauma hospital, medical and foster programs, and behavior intervention. HSSA has been serving Southern Arizona since 1944, focusing on assisting shelters and providing care for pets with serious medical needs.
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