The US President Barack Obama has signed the Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act into effect in 2014. The act plays a major role in the veterinary treatment. It opens up the provision of complete medical care beyond clinics and state lines legal for veterinarians.

The new Act amends a restrictive Controlled Substances Act provision that prohibited veterinarians from using or carrying controlled substances beyond their registered locations that were their state or, very often, their clinics. These substances often included euthanasia, anesthesia, pain management and other medications to treat animals.

Dr. Ted Cohn, president of the AVMA, said, “By passing and signing this legislation, the president and our legislators recognize the critical role veterinarians play in treating sick animals and relieving their pain and suffering. The health and welfare of our nation's wildlife, food animals, and even our companion animals depend on veterinarians being allowed to do their jobs wherever the need arises. As veterinarians, we promise to use our medical expertise for the protection of animal health and welfare and the prevention and relief of animal suffering. On behalf of our members, I would like to thank the president and Congress for allowing us complete access to the medications we need to fulfill our oath to society.”

The AVMA has been working towards clarifying the Controlled Substance Act for over two years. By closing this loophole, veterinarians are now free to provide care in rural locations, offer house call services, rescue and remove dangerous wild animals and respond better to on-field emergencies. They may also conducted disease control and research efforts and set up and offer routine medical care across states.