Admin

Amazon is considering the introduction of veterinary telehealth services, according to CNBC, following in the wake of Walmart, which made them available earlier this year to its Walmart+ subscribers. Sources familiar with the matter said Amazon could turn to Pawp to fuel a potential pet telehealth offering in time for the holiday season. Pawp currently works with Walmart, although its agreement with the retailer is set to expire on November 19th. Dr. Lori Teller, former president of the American Veterinary Medical Association and a professor of telehealth at Texas A&M University, said pet telehealth can be beneficial, but added she has concerns about companies that could be using it to drive product sales.

Read more here

California is addressing limited access to veterinary care by passing Assembly Bill 1399, which empowers licensed veterinarians in the state to establish a veterinarian-client/patient relationship through video technology. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law in October, and it will go into effect on January 1, 2024. At the moment, California restricts veterinarians from effectively using telehealth and can bar them from giving simple advice and direction to pet owners through telemedicine unless the owners bring their animals into the veterinary hospital, according to a press release from the San Francisco SPCA. The bill comes amid a massive shortage of veterinarians across the U.S. that has made it hard for pet owners to get basic care because the number of practicing vets cannot meet the demand of patients in need of care.

Admin

Amazon Considers Introduction of Veterinary Telehealth Services

California’s Veterinarian Telehealth Bill Aims to Relieve Limited Access to Vet Care