Redefine pets as sentient beings in Florida law - Help Pass Griz Law
The Issue
On January 23, 2026, our world turned upside down when we took our dog, Griz, in for what was supposed to be a routine bath. We trusted the facility to care for our beloved pet, but that trust was shattered when Griz suffered a completely severed Achilles tendon while in their care.
More than six months later, Griz has endured multiple surgeries, infections, and countless setbacks. Throughout his recovery, we have done everything possible to save his leg, but we have also been forced to pay tens of thousands of dollars out of our own pockets for treatment, medications, rehabilitation, and travel to specialists...even though his injury occurred while he was in someone else's care.
Our experience exposed a major gap in Florida law. In many cases, businesses and their insurance companies review a claim only after treatment has ended and determine what expenses they believe should be reimbursed. Meanwhile, families are left paying every veterinary bill, medication, rehabilitation appointment, specialist visit, medical supply, mobility aid, mile driven, and every other expense directly related to the injury while treatment is ongoing.
Griz's Law seeks to change that.
We are calling on Florida lawmakers to recognize that pets are sentient beings who deserve greater legal protection and to require businesses and individuals whose negligence causes serious injury to an animal in their care to cover reasonable, documented injury-related expenses as they are incurred—not months or years later. This includes veterinary care, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, mobility devices, travel expenses, and lost wages for necessary veterinary appointments, along with any other documented expenses directly resulting from the injury.
No family should have to choose between saving their pet and facing financial hardship because of someone else's negligence.
By signing this petition, you are helping advocate for stronger protections for pets and their families in Florida. Together, we can ensure the law reflects what so many of us already know: our pets are family, and those entrusted with their care should be held accountable when they fail them.
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The Issue
On January 23, 2026, our world turned upside down when we took our dog, Griz, in for what was supposed to be a routine bath. We trusted the facility to care for our beloved pet, but that trust was shattered when Griz suffered a completely severed Achilles tendon while in their care.
More than six months later, Griz has endured multiple surgeries, infections, and countless setbacks. Throughout his recovery, we have done everything possible to save his leg, but we have also been forced to pay tens of thousands of dollars out of our own pockets for treatment, medications, rehabilitation, and travel to specialists...even though his injury occurred while he was in someone else's care.
Our experience exposed a major gap in Florida law. In many cases, businesses and their insurance companies review a claim only after treatment has ended and determine what expenses they believe should be reimbursed. Meanwhile, families are left paying every veterinary bill, medication, rehabilitation appointment, specialist visit, medical supply, mobility aid, mile driven, and every other expense directly related to the injury while treatment is ongoing.
Griz's Law seeks to change that.
We are calling on Florida lawmakers to recognize that pets are sentient beings who deserve greater legal protection and to require businesses and individuals whose negligence causes serious injury to an animal in their care to cover reasonable, documented injury-related expenses as they are incurred—not months or years later. This includes veterinary care, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, mobility devices, travel expenses, and lost wages for necessary veterinary appointments, along with any other documented expenses directly resulting from the injury.
No family should have to choose between saving their pet and facing financial hardship because of someone else's negligence.
By signing this petition, you are helping advocate for stronger protections for pets and their families in Florida. Together, we can ensure the law reflects what so many of us already know: our pets are family, and those entrusted with their care should be held accountable when they fail them.
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Petition created on August 5, 2026