THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

151

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

requesting the Hawaiian Humane Society to develop a program to assist low-income pet owners afford emergency care for their pets.

 

 

     WHEREAS, there are many health benefits of pet ownership such as increased opportunities to exercise and companionship, that can have physical and mental health benefits; and

 

     WHEREAS, pets can help their human owners manage loneliness and depression; and

 

     WHEREAS, keeping a pet healthy by making regular visits to a veterinarian and by purchasing preventative medication can be expensive, costing between $200 and $400 per visit; and

 

     WHEREAS, if a pet has a medical condition, the cost of a veterinary visit can be much higher, upwards of $1,000 for emergency treatment or procedures; and

 

     WHEREAS, due to the high cost of certain treatments, financially insecure families may delay necessary treatments for their pets, incur credit card debt, or turn to fundraising websites such as GoFundMe or Waggle to pay for treatment; and

 

     WHEREAS, these families should not have to choose between the health of their beloved pet or delaying treatment or incurring high interest debt; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2023, that the Hawaiian Humane Society is requested to develop a program to assist low-income pet owners provide emergency medical care for their pets; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the program is requested to include no or low-interest payment plans, no credit checks, and other financial assistance options for uninsured pet owners; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Hawaiian Humane Society is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2024; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the President of the Hawaiian Humane Society.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Animals; Pets; Veterinary Services; Low-Income; Hawaiian Humane Society