Suit aims to make pet telemedicine permanent By Maura Dolan, Los Angeles Times
Published: May 8, 2021, 6:00am
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SAN FRANCISCO A group of veterinarians and pet owners in California is asking the state to permit more telemedicine for animals even after the pandemic ends.
In a federal lawsuit filed Monday, the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says the state should not end waivers allowed during the pandemic for remote visits.
“People can use telemedicine for themselves and their children, so why not for their pets?” said Brandy Kuentzel, general counsel at the San Francisco SPCA. “Telemedicine can be a vital tool to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them.”
Suit challenges California rules on pet exams by vets
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California veterinarians are asking the Department of Consumer Affairs to loosen telemedicine restrictions.SPCAShow MoreShow Less
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Ernest Borgniner, 13, a Muttville adoptee, with her owner, Muttville founder Sherri Franklin, during a 2014 competition in San Francisco.Jason Henry / Special to The Chronicle 2014Show MoreShow Less
Pet owners in California can’t speak to veterinarians about their pets’ health problems by phone, Zoom or Skype until the vet examines the animal in person a restriction that endangers the pets, doesn’t apply to human patients and violates freedom of speech, a lawsuit to be filed Monday contends.
San Francisco SPCA Challenges the Legality of the California Veterinary Medical Board s Restrictive Telemedicine Policy
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SAN FRANCISCO, May 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ Today the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a non-profit animal welfare organization, filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the California Veterinary Medical Board, challenging the limitations on veterinarians ability and right to use telemedicine to speak about animal patients health with pet owners. At present, the law forbids veterinarians from speaking to owners about an animal s health over the phone or internet – unless they have first met in person.
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A group of veterinarians and pet owners in California is asking the state to permit more telemedicine for animals even after the pandemic ends.
In a federal lawsuit to be filed Monday, the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says the state should not end waivers allowed during the pandemic for remote visits and asks that the rules be relaxed further.
“People can use telemedicine for themselves and their children, so why not for their pets?” said Brandy Kuentzel, general counsel at the San Francisco SPCA. “Telemedicine can be a vital tool to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them.”