Veterinary medicine is changing, not only in how care is provided, but in how veterinarians practice. The demand for the industry has never been so great, the clinics are burdened, the emergency centers are overwhelmed, and Not enough veterinarians to meet rising demand. Texas is the same as most parts of the country Severe veterinary shortageIf we do not adopt solutions that maximize the workforce, the access to care will continue to decline.
One of the most effective ways to deal with this challenge is to modernize the outdated laws of Veterinary Telemedicine in Xusas. Telehealth is not an alternative to interpersonal care, it is a tool that expands the service of veterinarians. It provides flexibility for veterinarians who want to practice in a way that suits their skills, lifestyle and patient needs while ensuring that animals receive timely medical care. Many states have already received telemedicine, but Texas has not.
The veterinary profession has undergone tremendous changes in recent years. Today, pet ownership is at an all-time high. Nearly 60% of households Have at least one pet; however, there are not enough veterinarians to meet the needs. Texas scores only One in 100 veterinary accessibility,,,,, When viewing issues such as income, transportation, language and number of veterinary hospitalsMany rural counties even lack a veterinarian. Veterinarians are overcrowded, and general veterinarians have a waiting list for weeks. Burnout driving professionals Leave the field completely. The weight of these challenges falls directly on the veterinarian, and the workload of the veterinarian becomes unsustainable. The system simply cannot continue to operate.
Veterinarians have used some form of telemedicine for decades – calling after get off work, advising pet drugs hotlines, and providing guidance through photos and videos. Technology has evolved to enable us to more effectively integrate virtual care into modern practice. Yet Texas laws remain Stop a veterinarian Even doing so can improve access to care by actually building a veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR).
In September 2024, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Texas ban on virtual VCPR is unconstitutional. The court highlighted the inconsistency that allows human doctors to establish telehealth relationships with patients, while veterinarians remain restricted. Other countries, Including Florida and Arizonahas modernized their laws, allowing veterinarians to use their professional judgment to determine when telemedicine is appropriate.
Veterinarians should be flexible in providing care in a way that meets their expertise, personal circumstances and patient needs. Where appropriate, the ability to see patients remotely can reduce unnecessary clinic congestion, helps veterinarians to reach underserved areas and provide lifelines for overwhelming practitioners. This is especially true for veterinarians who prefer non-traditional practice models, such as those who balance family obligations, retirement transitions, or rural outreach. Expanding telemedicine options also makes the industry more attractive to young veterinarians who are growing more Seeking flexibility in your career.
Instead of taking the business out of the face-to-face clinic, telemedicine helps expand access to care by connecting more pet owners to the veterinarians, which many might not have sought. Instead of replacing hands-on access, telemedicine works with them to ensure that in-person clinics can focus on cases that really require physical examinations and procedures. Research shows that telemedicine can actually Increase patient volume By addressing secondary issues early, preventing them from escalating to more serious health problems.
Three National Veterinary Industry Forums in 2022 gathered experts to discuss The role of telemedicine in veterinary practice. The vast majority of participants agreed that virtual VCPR is both feasible and beneficial when supported by appropriate safeguards Veterinarians are licensed in states that practice and require them to comply with all federal laws related to prescriptions.
Senator Nathan Johnson and Rep. Janie Lopez introduce Senate Bill 1442 and Housing Act 3364a veterinary-led approach is provided to legalize virtual VCPR in Xusas. These bills will not force veterinarians to practice telehealth, nor will they replace in-person care. Instead, they offer veterinarians the option to use telemedicine, just as doctors do in human medicine.
Veterinary careers are at a crossroads, with a shortage of labor, growing demand and technological advancements demand differently about the way we provide care. Telehealth is already working, and it’s time for Texas law to recognize this reality.
