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6/25/2026
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New law allows veterinarians to use telemedicine
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STATE HOUSE — Legislation introduced by Rep. Jon D. Brien and Sen. Brian J. Thompson to establish a framework for veterinary telemedicine in Rhode Island to expand access to quality care for pets has been signed into law.
The new law (2026-H 7020, 2026-S 3180) authorizes a veterinarian to establish a client-patient relationship in Rhode Island through electronic means, subject to certain limitations and requirements such as a veterinarian making a good faith effort to determine whether care should be provided through telemedicine instead of in person.
“Telemedicine has been a tremendous success story in health care,” said Representative Brien (I-Dist. 49, Woonsocket, North Smithfield). “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. In addition, an ongoing veterinary workforce shortage is making care harder to get, and many Rhode Island pet owners do not have adequate access to veterinary care.”
The act also provides that the veterinarian shall be licensed in Rhode Island, obtain the client consent to establish the veterinarian client-patient relationship through electronic means, and maintain such documentation for at least one year. Each telemedicine provider has to disclose to consumers a description of services and standard charges in a consumer-friendly display that is easily accessible on the provider’s website.
“Taking your pet to the veterinarian can be a traumatic experience — both for pets and their owners,” said Senator Thompson (D-Dist. 20, Woonsocket, Cumberland). “Most people don’t have the luxury of taking time off of work for what can amount to a half-day commitment. 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.”
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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