The 2025 Georgia Legislative Session brought a wave of impactful animal-focused legislation—strengthening veterinary care in underserved areas, expanding protections for pets, and improving the regulation of animal sales and breeding.
Here’s a roundup of this year’s major bills and what they mean for Georgia’s animal health community.
Expanding Access to Veterinary Care Through Loan Repayment Programs
House Bill 172: Food Animal Veterinarian Loan Repayment Program
This bill expands the state’s existing loan repayment program for veterinarians working with food animals. Eligible participants can now receive up to $100,000 over three years—a powerful incentive to serve in critical shortage areas. With support from Representative David Huddleston and Senator Matt Brass, the bill has passed both chambers and awaits Governor Kemp’s signature.
Senate Bill 20: Shelter Medicine Loan Repayment Program
Introduced by Senator Kay Kirkpatrick and Representative Scott Hilton, this bill creates a similar program for veterinarians working in shelters and nonprofit sterilization clinics, offering up to $75,000 over three years. It also awaits the Governor’s signature.
House Bill 88: Veterinary Technician Loan Repayment Program
Although this bill did not pass in 2025, it was favorably reported by the House Committee and is expected to return. Sponsored by Representative Imani Barnes, it proposes up to $30,000 over three years for rural veterinary technicians—supporting essential team members in Georgia’s animal care workforce.
Legalizing and Regulating Veterinary Telemedicine
Senate Bill 105: Veterinary Telehealth Modernization
SB 105 is a game changer. Sponsored by Senator Jason Anavitarte and Representative Rick Jasperse, the bill modernizes Georgia’s Veterinary Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) to allow for telemedicine, teletriage, and teleadvice under defined circumstances. It also includes provisions for licensing foreign-trained veterinarians who are board-certified specialists. The bill has passed both chambers and is now awaiting final approval.
Protecting Pets in Legal and Public Spaces
House Bill 177: Pets in Protective Orders
This bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Representative Sharon Cooper and Senator Brian Strickland, ensures household pets can be included in family and dating violence protective orders. This critical step recognizes pets as part of the family unit, safeguarding them in domestic violence situations.
House Bill 331: Ban on Roadside Pet Sales
HB 331 prohibits the transfer of dogs, cats, and rabbits in transient or outdoor public spaces like roadside markets, medians, parking lots, and parks. It makes exceptions for transfers inside veterinary offices. This bill, championed by Representative Beth Camp and Senator Lee Anderson, targets irresponsible or unsafe pet sales.
Combating Animal Cruelty and Promoting Humane Practices
Senate Bill 102: Cockfighting and Dogfighting Penalties
While not fully passed this session, SB 102 cleared the Senate and was favorably reported by the House Committee. Introduced by Senator Randy Robertson, the bill strengthens penalties for dogfighting and cockfighting, signaling a continued crackdown on animal cruelty in 2026.
Senate Resolution 255: Study Committee on Companion Animal Breeding
SR 255 establishes a Senate Study Committee to investigate unethical breeding practices and recommend reforms to ensure humane treatment of animals in breeding operations. The resolution has been adopted by the Senate.
Conclusion: A Strong Legislative Session for Georgia’s Animals
From boosting rural veterinary capacity to modernizing telemedicine rules and protecting pets from harm, the 2025 Georgia Legislative Session saw several landmark achievements. With many bills awaiting Governor Kemp’s signature, stakeholders in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and public policy should stay engaged and ready to support implementation.
Stay informed and advocate for animal welfare, because policy shapes practice.
