Virtual Vet Care Is Coming To California Under A New Law In 2024

Veterinarians licensed in California will be able see and treat their pet patients virtually under a new law that goes into effect on Jan. 1.

Under AB 1399, veterinarians will be able to examine animals on a camera through a telehealth appointment without needing to see them in-person. They can then prescribe medications and recommend treatments, or direct the owner to a clinic for follow-up care.

About the new law

The bill was authored by Assemblymembers Laura Friedman (D-Burbank) and Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) and soared through Sacramento with bipartisan support earlier this year.

California currently requires veterinarians to physically examine a pet patient before prescribing medications or recommending treatments, but AB 1399 removes that in-person prerequisite.

Under the new law, the same standards of care will apply to both virtual and in-person veterinary services. However, there are some limitations.

For example, the telehealth appointment cannot be audio-only or done through a questionnaire — a camera is required. Veterinarians will only be able to treat patients in the state, and they are not allowed to prescribe any controlled substances or medications to horses involved in racing.

Veterinarians will also be required to inform their clients about the “potential limitations of telehealth” and advise them on how to receive follow-up care if their pet has an adverse reaction to treatment.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 1399 into law on Oct. 8.

How can this help?

Dr. Zarah Hedge is the chief medical officer at the San Diego Humane Society, which co-sponsored the bill. Hedge told LAist there’s a huge issue with access to veterinary care in the state.

The Veterinary Care Accessibility Project gave California a 47 out of 100 for its “Veterinary Care Accessibility Score” in 2021 — a failing grade. According to their map, Imperial County, Kern County, and Tulare County are some of the areas struggling with access the most.

“There's so many factors that can influence it,” Hedge said. “They may not have transportation to get there. They may not be able to afford it, or they can, but there are no appointments available.”

Hedge said the hope is that the new law will make veterinary care more accessible for everyone, but especially for pet owners in remote or underserved areas.

They may still end up having to take their animal to a clinic for in-person care, she added, but it can give owners some peace of mind in the meantime. Hedge said telehealth care can also be particularly helpful for the many shelters in the state that don’t have a veterinarian.

“During the pandemic, we saw how effective telehealth can be for human healthcare,” Assemblymember Friedman said in a statement this summer. “So why not apply this working model to veterinary care where there is a huge shortage?”

The bill was also co-sponsored by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Are there any concerns?

The American Veterinary Medical Association has warned that turning to telehealth can lead to ineffective treatment plans, unnecessary prescriptions, and inaccurate diagnoses.

“Because telemedicine does not involve an in-person physical examination or diagnostic testing, it limits a veterinarian in gathering critical information about the animal patient, especially for patients that might not regularly be receiving veterinary care,” said the American Veterinary Medical Association said on its website.

The organization added that delayed diagnosis or an inappropriate treatment plan can ultimately cost owners more money and prolong animal suffering.

However, Hedge said it’s important to keep in mind that this law doesn’t force veterinarians to use telehealth. If a vet doesn’t feel comfortable with the idea, or feels like they need more information before making a decision, they can still ask owners to bring their animals in-person.