The Fairness to Pet Owners Act legislation is still in subcommittee but has three new legislators signed on since the last request to take action in May. The three new legislators that have signed on are: Representatives James Moran (VA), Phil Gingrey (GA), and James Sensenbrenner (WI).



Once again, giant box store Walmart is in the business of going after small businesses. This time it's veterinary clinics. They have launched an aggressive campaign aimed at their customers, urging them to take action and call on Congress to require mandatory prescription writing by passing H.R. 1406, the Fairness to Pet Owners Act. 

Walmart just sent out this message in support of the Fairness to Pet Owners Act of 2011.

This bill requires veterinarians to write a prescription at the time of prescribing a product for a companion animal, regardless of whether or not you would also be dispensing the product to your client. Veterinarians would also be required to provide a written disclosure notifying the pet owner that they may fill the prescription through you, the prescriber, or another pharmacy.

This legislation is unnecessary and redundant. AVMA has a long standing policy encouraging veterinarians to write a prescription in lieu of dispensing when asked by a client. And pet owners already have the freedom to take a prescription to be filled at the pharmacy of their choice.

Tell your Member of Congress why they should oppose this bill:

  • This legislation is unnecessary and redundant.  
  • The American Veterinary Medical Association is supportive of a client's right to have their prescription filled at the pharmacy of their choice and encourages veterinarians to write a prescription when asked by a client.  
  • Pet owners have the freedom to take a prescription to be filled at the pharmacy of their choice. 
  • State laws already govern veterinary prescription writing making this bill unnecessary. 
  • The interests of large retail stores shouldn't dictate how veterinarians operate their practice. 
  • AVMA believes that the prescribing veterinarian is the most appropriate professional to provide guidance and education when dispensing a prescription product.
It's time for veterinarians and technicians to take action! If you don't speak up, the only message Congress will hear is Walmart's!










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