To: The New Jersey State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and the New Jersey State Legislature Subject: Mandating Transparency in Teaching Hospitals and Redefining the Legal Status of Companion Animals The Statement of Purpose
Current New Jersey veterinary regulations (N.J.A.C.) do not adequately protect pet owners from the lack of transparency regarding the clinical roles of students and interns in teaching hospitals. Furthermore, the legal classification of companion animals as "personal property" fails to recognize the intrinsic value of the bond between humans and their pets. Calli’s Law seeks to bridge these gaps by ensuring that every pet owner has the right to informed consent and that every companion animal is recognized as a member of the family under the law. Our Demands
We, the undersigned, petition the State of New Jersey to enact Calli’s Law, which will: Mandate Clinical Disclosure: Require all veterinary facilities, especially 24-hour teaching hospitals, to provide written disclosure to pet owners identifying the clinical roles and levels of supervision for all interns, residents, and students involved in an animal's care.
Establish Staffing Ratios: Codify minimum specialist-to-intern ratios in critical care settings to ensure that the "Standard of Care" is consistently met, regardless of corporate ownership or hospital size.
Modernize Legal Status: Amend New Jersey law to reclassify companion animals from "personal property" to "sentient family members," allowing for the recovery of non-economic damages in cases of gross negligence or professional misconduct.
Guarantee Data Access: Ensure pet owners have an absolute right to access full medical records, including audit logs and real-time clinical notes, within 24 hours of a request.
 
Why This Matters 
This petition is more than a request for policy change; it is a promise to Calli. Her life had immeasurable value, and her story has exposed gaps in our system that can no longer be ignored. By signing this, you are ensuring that Calli’s legacy is one of transparency, protection, and a future where every pet is treated with the dignity they deserve. For Calli, and for every family that follows.