AB 1399 will authorize telemedicine practice for veterinarians with a current California license. The use of veterinary telemedicine will significantly reduce animal suffering, alleviate financial and logistical barriers to veterinary care, improve pet retention, and extend the capacity of animal shelters to serve animals and their communities. This bill is sponsored by five state lawmakers and is strongly supported by the SF SPCA.
California’s animal shelters are experiencing significant stress, due in large part to inadequate access to spay/neuter programs and a crisis-level lack of access to veterinary care that actually is worsening. A recent survey conducted by the SF SPCA found that more than 344,000 California shelter animals do not have adequate access to veterinary care.
Your Help is Needed—One Quick Call or Email from You Can Help to Improve Care for California Animals!
AB 1399 passed the Assembly and is moving forward in the legislative process. This bill represents a significant step forward to reduce animal suffering and help provide access to care in California. Your support is still needed to get this important bill passed in our state.
Please show your support by emailing or calling your state Senator to express your support. Visit: https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov to find out who represents your Senate district.
Sample Script
“Hello, my name is _______________________, I live in your district and am writing to ask you to support AB 1399. California is one of the most restrictive states with respect to veterinary telemedicine, and this is causing significant delays to animals getting the vet care they need. In other countries, telemedicine has proven to be an effective tool in expanding access to care for people, as well as a safe and effective means to expand veterinary care. Please help to modernize veterinary care in California by allowing licensed California vets to use telemedicine for their patients.
Please help by voting yes on AB 1399 to allow the use of veterinary telemedicine in California.
Thank you for your time!
Sincerely,
NAME”