Good evening,

My name is Dale Jackson, and I live in Dexter, Maine. On May 4, 2026, my family lost our beloved service dog, Zoey Marie Jackson. She was 10 years old. To many people, animals may simply be pets, but to our family, Zoey was much more than that. She was family, a companion, a source of comfort, and part of our everyday lives.

Over the past eight months, Zoey experienced several medical issues that we trusted veterinary professionals to properly diagnose and treat. Unfortunately, we were not fully informed about the side effects of the prescriptions she was put on. Had we known, we believe her outcomes might have been different. This lack of communication between veterinarians and pet owners about potential side effects can have dire consequences, as it did for our family. We want to ensure no other family has to experience such a loss without having all the necessary information to make informed decisions about their pet's health.

In addition to veterinarian transparency, it's crucial to ensure that pet groomers maintain high standards of hygiene and safety. Pet groomers in Maine should undergo regular, random inspections to prevent the spread of diseases and to protect the animals in their care. Grooming facilities must be held accountable for the cleanliness and safety of their environments. Many animal illnesses can be traced back to grooming negligence, and regular inspections can help mitigate these risks.

By advocating for these changes, we can improve pet care and safety in Maine. We urge the state regulators to require veterinarians to disclose all medication side effects to pet owners and to implement random inspections for pet grooming facilities. These measures will help ensure our pets, who are part of our families, receive the best possible care.

Please join me in making a difference for our pets by signing this petition. Together, we can bring about change and safeguard the health and well-being of our beloved companions.