COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio pet owners could soon have greater access to veterinary care without ever leaving home, thanks to legislation passed by the Ohio Senate this week. Senate Bill 60, sponsored by State Senators Shane Wilkin (R-Hillsboro) and Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City), aims to expand telehealth services to the field of veterinary medicine.
The bill establishes guidelines and procedures for veterinarians to provide care virtually, allowing licensed vets to diagnose and treat animal patients through telehealth visits. Lawmakers say the measure is designed to improve access for Ohioans in rural or underserved areas and modernize care as the state faces a nationwide shortage of veterinarians.
“Expanding telehealth to veterinary medicine allows Ohioans to have greater access to care, particularly those who do not have easy access to transportation,” said Senator Wilkin. “It also makes Ohio a more attractive place for veterinarians to live and work.”
Senator Huffman echoed the sentiment, noting that states like Florida, Arizona, and California have already implemented similar policies with success.
“As the medical field continues to evolve with better technology, there’s no reason not to apply the same progress to veterinary care,” Huffman said. “This bill strengthens Ohio’s commitment to the medical community—human and animal alike.”
Senate Bill 60 includes a key provision: telehealth services cannot be used for livestock raised for human consumption unless a prior veterinary-client-patient relationship has been established.
The bill passed with bipartisan support and now heads to the Ohio House of Representatives for further consideration.
