Gov. Ron DeSantis needs to sign bill that will allow teleheath services for pets

Amy Wade-Carotenuto and Jen Hobgood

Guest columnists

Before adjourning in March, the Florida Legislature unanimously passed the Providing Equity in Telehealth Services Act (PETS Act). This bipartisan legislation to modernize our state’s veterinary laws by decreasing regulatory barriers to veterinary telehealth now awaits presentation to the governor for his approval.

All 50 states empower physicians to use telehealth to safely and conveniently treat people remotely, including babies and other nonverbal patients. However, an outdated state law has prevented veterinarians from using similar telehealth technology unless they conduct an in-person examination of the pet.

Flagler Humane Society is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

A nationwide shortage of veterinary professionals has made it more difficult for pet owners to access care for their pets, increasing wait times for appointments and even forcing the closure of clinics and emergency hospitals due to staffing issues.

Telehealth is an important tool that can help increase efficiency and lower costs, and it’s especially beneficial for pet owners who live in rural areas, have financial barriers, or lack access to transportation.

The PETS Act, which would go into effect on July 1, 2024, would help bridge these gaps in care caused by the veterinary shortage so that more Floridians can keep their pets safe and healthy.

Mary DeVito fostered these four puppies, who were found in a garbage can, for the Flagler Humane Society.

We encourage Gov. Ron DeSantis to sign this important bill, and we’re grateful to the bill sponsors, Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island), and Reps. Sam Killebrew (R-Winter Haven) and James Buchanan (R-North Port) for their leadership on this bill.

We also appreciate the support of local lawmakers – Sen. Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast), who helped advance the bill through committee, and House Speaker Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast) and Rep. Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach) for consistently championing sound animal welfare public policy in the Sunshine State during their tenure in the Florida House of Representatives.

Florida’s pets and their people across the geographic and economic spectrum will benefit greatly from this bipartisan animal welfare legislation to extend more care options to pet owners.

Amy Wade-Carotenuto is the executive director of the Flagler Humane Society.

Jen Hobgood is senior director of state legislation, ASPCA Government Relations Southern Division.