Animal Care Options-SB 1555

Shouldnt animal owners have the right to seek alternative health care and wellness therapies from non-veterinarians?

In Arizona we have the right as humans to use alternative and wellness practitioners who are not medical doctors for ourselves, but according to the current wording of Arizona Revised Statute 32-2231 (Acts constituting the practice of veterinary medicine), we do not have the right to do so for our animals. In effect, this statute as written authorizes only licensed veterinarians to help an animal with any condition in any way including those for which they have no training and prohibits non-vet practitioners from providing services for which they are trained.

Current ARS 32-2231 wording:

32-2231. Acts constituting the practice of veterinary medicine; exceptions
A. A person shall be regarded as practicing veterinary medicine, surgery and dentistry within the meaning of this chapter who, within this state:


4. Prescribes or administers any drug, medicine, treatment, method or practice, performs any operation or manipulation, or applies any apparatus or appliance for the cure, amelioration, correction or modification of any animal condition, disease, deformity, defect, wound or injury for hire, fee, compensation or reward that is directly or indirectly promised, offered, expected, received or accepted.

Even though many of these modalities such as acupressure, homeopathy, energy/body work, herbalism, aromatherapy and more are not taught in US Veterinary colleges nor included in the AZ Veterinary Medical Board exams, licensed veterinarians are the only ones who can legally offer such services. Non-vet practitioners who have extensive knowledge and training can be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor, order to Cease and Desist, and possibly fined if they offer these valuable services to our animals. To date, numerous practitioners have received investigative letters from the AZ Vet Board as an unlicensed practitioner. Shouldnt animal owners have the right to seek alternative health care and wellness therapies from non-veterinarians?

Yes, which is why the Arizona Alliance for Animals Owners Rights has initiated Senate Bill #1555 to allow alternative therapy practitioners such as Acupressure, Animal communication, Aromatherapy, Hands-on Healing, Massage, Light & Magnet therapy, Homeopathy and Nutritional counseling to legally offer their services. Full Bill wording at www,AZAAOR.Org.

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD AND SIGN THIS PETITION. SB 1555 will be heard in committee on Wed, Feb 15th where this petition will be presented. Every voice is needed to ensure this change.