Podcast: Recent Challenges to the Legal Status of Pets

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Welcome to the Veterinary Breakroom! Join Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Beth Molleson, DVM, as they discuss pressing issues impacting the veterinary profession. What happens when pets are treated as family members or legal dependents—rather than property—under the law? In this episode, Dr. Alyssa and Dr. Beth unpack two recent lawsuits that on the surface have nothing to do with veterinary medicine, yet could have a huge impact on its future. From liability and insurance to Spectrum of Care and access to treatment, they explore the downstream effects every clinician should be paying attention to.

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Resources:

• https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/taxes/2025/12/24/new-york-attorney-sues-irs-dog-dependent/87899358007/

• https://www.avma.org/blog/new-york-judge-declares-dog-immediate-family-member

• https://nysvms.org/non-economic-damages-lawsuit-brooklyn/

Contact:

• podcast@instinct.vet

Where To Find Us:

• Website: CliniciansBrief.com/Podcasts

• YouTube: Youtube.com/@clinicians_brief

• Facebook: Facebook.com/CliniciansBrief

• LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/showcase/CliniciansBrief/

• Instagram: @Clinicians.Brief

• X: @CliniciansBrief

The Team:

• Alyssa Watson, DVM - Host

• Beth Molleson, DVM - Host

• Alexis Ussery - Producer & Multimedia Specialist

Disclaimer: This podcast recording represents the opinions of Dr. Alyssa Watson and Dr. Beth Molleson. Content is presented for discussion purposes and should not be taken as medical advice. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.