Alabamians want access to veterinary care

In Alabama, 17 counties have no animal services at all - no veterinarians, no animal shelters, no animal clinics. Across the state, only five low-cost spay/neuter clinics serve Alabamians. This is considerably fewer clinics per capita than other states in the southeast. Current laws say it is unlawful for a licensed veterinarian to be an employee of a non-licensed person. For this reason, veterinarians must be treated as outside contractors when they provide services in animal shelters and low cost spay/neuter clinics which limits employment opportunities. This takes away the freedom of veterinarians to seek employment of their own interest and hampers individuals and animal shelters access to animal services.

Alabama’s current veterinary practice law overly restricts affordable access to essential veterinary care for community residents and animal shelters. This creates unnecessary risk to public health. The people and animal shelters in Alabama need the ability to give basic, affordable veterinary services to the animals in their care.

You are a critical part of ensuring that pets and people receive essential resources and our community stays safe. The people and pets in Alabama deserve access to basic veterinary care. It is important you tell your representative that saving cats and dogs, and keeping communities safe, is important to the people of Alabama.

By advocating for access to care and continued collaboration with other community organizations, you are a part of creating a healthier community for pets and people. Show your support by signing and sharing today!