In the dog days of Arizona’s legislative session, Governor Katie Hobbs signed legislation that should make it easier to get care for your pets. SB 1053, sponsored by Senator TJ Shope, is a landmark veterinary telemedicine law that allows pet owners to access high-quality virtual care from home.
The bill passed with overwhelmingly bipartisan support, with a 26-3 margin in the State Senate and a 57-1 margin in the State House. A coalition of veterinary, animal welfare, and farm interests helped produced the broad support.
SB 1053 amends the Arizona Veterinary Practice Act to remove its prohibition on pet owners starting a relationship with a veterinarian through a virtual visit.
According to the Goldwater Institute “chronic shortage of veterinarians has created veterinary deserts throughout the United States. Pet owners of all ages don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice and care, but such care is often available only through digital tools. Veterinary trade associations resist these changes, ignoring the key principle that telemedicine requires an informed choice by the veterinarian and pet owner to proceed without an in-person examination of the pet. SB 1053 recognizes this principle, while also providing safeguards to prevent abuse.”