Comments Document

As the advocacy voice of the responsible pet care community, the Pet Advocacy Network represents the interests and expertise of retailers, companion animal suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, pet owners, and others involved in the many aspects of pet care across the United States. Our association promotes animal well-being and responsible pet ownership, fosters environmental stewardship, and ensures healthy pets' availability through our local, state, and federal work. In addition, we routinely advocate for legislative and regulatory proposals to protect the health, safety, and availability of companion animals and we have a particular interest in legislation aimed increase access to veterinary care. On behalf of the responsible pet care community, we ask that you vote YES on House Bill 1698. Nobody cares more about the health and safety of companion animals than we do here at the Pet Advocacy Network. We know that pets come in all shapes and sizes, from cats and dogs to lizards and guinea pigs – and each one of these cherished companion animals must be protected and cared for. Which is why we are thrilled to express our support for House Bill 1698, which would extend the sunset deadline for sales and use tax exemptions for medications used and dispensed by veterinarians to 2028. This legislation is vital for creating an accessible and affordable path to veterinary care, ensuring that our beloved pets receive the necessary preventative and wellness services that promote healthier, longer lives. The financial burden of high veterinary costs can lead pet owners to delay or even forgo essential veterinary visits. Such delays put pets at significant risk, often resulting in more severe health issues that can become much more costly to treat. We believe that addressing the rising costs in veterinary care through measures like the tax exemptions proposed in HB 1698 is a practical and necessary approach to alleviating the financial pressures that many pet owners face. We should be making it easier for pet owners in Virginia to access veterinary care, which is why we are hopeful you will pass this critical piece of legislation which would do just that.

HB 424 - Exempt Disabled Veterans From Tolls Can we hurry up an pass this. The VA is in DC. Traffic is a nightmare. Tolls insanely expensive, for veterans on a fixed income. Other states have this, why is rich Virginia so slow to implement this.

Comments Document

Dear Chairperson Mudon King and Members of the House Subcommittee on Finance, As the advocacy voice of the responsible pet care community, the Pet Advocacy Network represents the interests and expertise of retailers, companion animal suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, pet owners, and others involved in the many aspects of pet care across the United States. Our association promotes animal well-being and responsible pet ownership, fosters environmental stewardship, and ensures healthy pets' availability through our local, state, and federal work. In addition, we routinely advocate for legislative and regulatory proposals to protect the health, safety, and availability of companion animals and we have a particular interest in legislation aimed increase access to veterinary care. On behalf of the responsible pet care community, we ask that you vote YES on House Bill 1698. Please find our comments in support of this important measure attached. Sincerely, Alyssa Miller-Hurley Vice President of Government Affairs