In a personal, heart-wrenching experience, my puppy Harley, at just 5 months old, was diagnosed with a liver shunt. I did what responsible pet owners do: I turned to a veterinary professional for treatment. Instead of rectifying the situation, an operative error during surgery resulted in closure of Harley's main portal vein, instead of the intended liver shunt. This mistake led to visits with numerous specialists, and ultimately it was determined that corrective surgery was far too risky for Harley’s life. As the situation stands, Harley's life has been turned upside down and so has mine. She's not simply a pet; she's a member of my family. 

Indeed, Harley is just one among millions of pets who are deeply loved and valued by their owners. Despite this, in cases of veterinary malpractice, pets are legally classified as property, which denies us any restitution or solatium for this kind of circumstance. This property classification hinders our ability to obtain justice for our animals who endure a great deal of suffering due to negligent veterinary care.

In addition to the emotional hardships, research shows that pets significantly contribute to the mental health of their owners. According to an APA survey in 2018, up to 74% of pet owners reported mental health improvements as a result of pet ownership. When pets are harmed due to malpractice, it is not only the pet that suffers but also those who care for them deeply.

We call on lawmakers and the legal community to stop categorizing our pets as property. Instead, let's acknowledge and respect the undeniable bond between humans and their pets by allowing for proper redress in cases of veterinary malpractice. Animals are more than mere property - they are family. We deserve justice. Sign this petition and help us bring about this much-needed change.