Keeping Tabs On Med Records For Dogs & Cats

A new law in California requires veterinarians to make entries on the medical records of injured pets at animal shelters.

Unlike hospitals for humans, California had no laws requiring the medical reporting on animal injuries or treatment or even euthanasia. 

State Senator Janet Nguyen of Orange County introduced the bill after learning about a husky that was hit by a car and bled to death with massive injuries over a three-day period in a taxpayer-fundedshelter. He had no pain medication or veterinarian intervention. A subsequent lawsuit revealed that the dog’s medical chart was blank. 

The new law also authorizes veterinarian technicians to perform a variety of health care services and calls for shelters to create a standardized time period for assessing impounded animals.

Brussels Griffon puppy with ice pack on his head and thermometer in his mouth.

Photo from Alpha Media Portland OR