In an unprecedented move, Airvet, a leading provider of pet telehealth services, has shattered industry norms by becoming the inaugural veterinary telehealth company to conduct a fully compliant VCPR (Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship) remote diagnosis and issue a written prescription in California. This groundbreaking step isn't just a win for Airvet; it signifies a monumental leap from telehealth to authentic telemedicine, cementing its role as a pioneer in pet care innovation. Now, millions of pet families nationwide stand to benefit from more accessible, cost-effective, and convenient care options.

This landmark telemedicine visit, made possible by the enactment of Assembly Bill 1399, ushers in a new era for California's veterinarians, granting them the legal authority to prescribe medications virtually. Until now, state regulations permitted telehealth consultations but stopped short of allowing remote prescriptions. This change is a game-changer for pet parents facing hurdles like geographical isolation, mobility issues, or the daunting veterinary shortage.

On New Year’s Eve, Dr. Jeff Werber, the esteemed Chief Veterinary Officer at Airvet, made history by conducting this pivotal telemedicine visit. With four decades of experience in the field, Dr. Werber expressed his excitement about this progressive step, acknowledging the profound impact it will have on veterinary care.

Recognizing pets as integral family members, employers are increasingly incorporating pet-related benefits into their packages. These include pet telehealth, insurance, bereavement leave, and even paw-ternity leave. Airvet, at the forefront of this shift, collaborates with leading employers like Adobe and Manulife to offer telehealth as an employee perk. With virtual prescriptions now a reality for its consumer members, and soon for employer members, Airvet is poised to enhance care access significantly.

Dan Lieberman, President of Airvet, highlighted the critical role telemedicine plays in addressing the national veterinarian shortage, providing comprehensive care to pet parents. He expressed optimism that AB1399's passage would encourage more states to follow suit, making veterinary care universally accessible.