Arizona Humane Society provides telemedicine veterinary services

The Arizona Humane Society is the first animal welfare organization to provide Telemedicine Veterinary Services.

The action comes after two years of advocacy by the AHS which resulted in the passing of Senate Bill 1053. This bill makes Arizona one of the few states to allow veterinarians licensed in any state to establish a veterinary-client relationship through telemedicine.

Currently, the AHS is the only organization in the nation to provide this service.

AHS Vice President of Animal Welfare and Medical Services, Dr. Melissa Thompson, joined “Arizona Horizon” to expand on what this milestone could mean for future veterinary services.

The Veterinary Patient Client Relationship statute says that veterinaries are required to physically see the animals when providing services. With SB 1053, the law says that vets can do certain things remotely and that they don’t necessarily need to have their hands on the anima; to provide services.

With telehealth, people are now able to schedule 20-minute video calls with AHS for their companion animals.

Dr. Thompson says that these appointments are great if your pet is experiencing issues like colds, allergies and skin issues. The online aspect allows for pet owners to get veterinary attention from the comfort of their own home.

She assures pet owners that these online appointments are not to take place of emergencies or situations that require more serious attention. Their veterinarians will advise for owners to take their animals to a regular veterinarians or emergency hospital if needed.

Dr. Thompson says that the telehealth visits can help address bigger issues for owners, apart from convenience.

“Some of the biggest reasons why people have to surrender their pet is either cost of the pet or access to veterinary care,” said the doctor.

To learn more about the Arizona Humane Society and to make an online appointment, visit https://www.azhumane.org/online-vet-care/