Colorado Bill Proposes Expanded Telemedicine Access for Veterinary Care!

A new state bill in Colorado aims to expand telemedicine services for veterinary care. The bill follows a 2024 law that allows telehealth appointments only if pet owners have had an in-person vet visit within the past year.

Supporters say this restriction makes vet care harder to access, especially in areas with limited veterinary services.

If passed, the new bill would allow pet owners to seek telehealth consultations without the in-person visit requirement.

Why the Change Is Needed?

Colorado ranks low in veterinary care accessibility, scoring 58 out of 100, according to the ASPCA. One in three pets does not receive a yearly checkup, which raises concerns about untreated health issues.

Sabrina Pacha, State Legislative Director for the Mountain West Region of the ASPCA, emphasized the need for modernization.

She explained that the bill aims to make veterinary care more like human healthcare, where telemedicine is widely used.

Barriers to Veterinary Care

Many pet owners struggle to access veterinary services due to location, transportation, or language barriers.

Pacha highlighted the issue of “veterinary care deserts”—areas where vet clinics are too far away for regular visits.

The American Veterinary Medical Association defines these deserts as places where city residents live more than four miles from a vet and rural residents are over 10 miles away.

Without convenient access, many pet owners delay or skip necessary veterinary care.

Impact on Animal Shelters

The lack of accessible vet care has also affected animal shelters. Many shelters report an increase in pet surrenders due to owners being unable to afford treatment after delaying vet visits for too long.

“When pets go without care for extended periods, their health conditions worsen, making treatments more expensive,” Pacha explained.

She believes expanding telemedicine could help prevent unnecessary surrenders by providing timely, affordable vet consultations.

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Opposition to the Bill

Despite its potential benefits, some veterinary organizations oppose the bill. Groups like the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians have raised concerns about telemedicine’s limitations.

Critics argue that virtual appointments may not be sufficient for diagnosing certain conditions. They emphasize the importance of in-person visits for accurate examinations and treatment.

What Happens Next?

The bill is still under discussion, with lawmakers considering both the benefits and concerns raised by experts. If approved, it could make veterinary care more accessible for thousands of pet owners across Colorado.

For now, pet owners and veterinarians are watching closely to see how the legislation progresses and whether it will reshape the future of pet healthcare.

Reference

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