PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island veterinarians can now visit with their furry patients virtually as Gov. Daniel J. McKee has approved legislation allowing veterinarians to provide care via telemedicine.
The legislation was signed into law on June 25, with McKee holding a ceremonial signing event on July 17. The bill allows vets to establish client-patient relationships with all non-human animals, including but not limited to birds, fish and reptiles, according to an announcement from the R.I. General Assembly.
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Licensed Rhode Island vets who have received client consent can practice virtually with the ability to prescribe medications for up to 30 days. A renewed prescription will require an in-person examination, according to the bill 2026-H 7020, 2026-S 3180.
“The only current option for accessing veterinary care on nights and weekends is an expensive and stressful trip to the emergency animal hospital. This provides peace of mind for pet owners who know they will receive the same standards of care under state law for both telehealth and in-person visits,” Sen. Brian J. Thompson, D-Woonsocket, said in the announcement.
The legislation was originally introduced by Thompson and Rep. Jon D. Brien, I-Woonsocket.
“Telemedicine has been a tremendous success story in health care,” Brien said in a statement. “There’s no reason we can’t extend that success to animal care. It’s time to modernize Rhode Island’s veterinary laws to enable state-licensed veterinarians to use proven, convenient, safe telehealth technology for pet patients.”
Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a PBN staff writer. She can be reached at kannermascolo@pbn.com.
