The Pet Care Access Crisis That Telehealth Could Help Solve: A Veterinarian's View

Guest: Dr. Lauren Hughes, Heal House Call Veterinarians

When veterinary costs skyrocket and transportation becomes impossible, pets suffer and families face heartbreaking surrender decisions. But what if the solution is already in your pocket?

Dr. Lauren Hughes has practiced veterinary medicine across six states and seen firsthand how barriers to care harm animals and families. Now she's taking a different approach—bringing veterinary care directly to people's homes and, when allowed, she's used telehealth to reach those who can't afford traditional clinic visits.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why veterinary costs have exploded since COVID (hint: it's not just corporate greed)
• How telehealth can prevent expensive emergencies through early intervention
• Real examples of successful virtual veterinary consultations
• The legal barriers keeping life-saving technology from pet owners who need it most
• Why a $55 telehealth visit can prevent a $5,000 emergency surgery

Dr. Hughes shares stories from her grant-funded practice serving homeless clients, low-income seniors, and families in veterinary deserts—proving that when we remove barriers, everyone wins: pets get better care, owners save money, and emergencies are prevented.

Key Takeaway: Veterinary telehealth laws need to change. We should trust licensed veterinarians to decide when virtual care is appropriate—just like we do with human doctors. Medicine is a practice for a reason, and veterinarians with their "boots on the ground" know what cases need in-person visits and which can be handled remotely.

Resources mentioned:

• Ready to advocate for telehealth in your state? We've made it easy with template letters, talking points, and step-by-step guidance. Veterinary Telehealth Advocacy Toolkit: animaladvocacyacademy.com/telehealth-laws
• Petopia helps communities create programs that support the bond between humans and their natural environment, pets and agriculture.
• State-by-state VCPR regulations

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Because compassion is great, but compassionate action is infinitely better.