Veterinary Services Accessibility

Veterinary practices increasingly rely on digital tools for appointments, records, and communication. Accessible websites and client portals ensure all pet owners—including those with disabilities—can access essential care for their animals.

Growing Digital Presence

Over 70% of pet owners research veterinary services online before choosing a provider. Accessible digital services not only meet legal requirements but also help practices reach the 27% of American pet owners who have disabilities.

Why Accessibility Matters for Veterinary Practices

Pet Owner Demographics

Many pet owners with disabilities rely on service animals, therapy pets, or companion animals that require regular veterinary care

Digital First Experiences

Online booking, prescription refills, and telemedicine are becoming standard—all must be accessible

Applicable Laws & Regulations

ADA Title III

Veterinary offices, animal hospitals, and pet care facilities are "places of public accommodation" under ADA Title III. Websites and digital services must be accessible to people with disabilities.

Learn About Title III
State Consumer Protection Laws

Many states have consumer protection laws that parallel ADA requirements or provide additional protections. California's Unruh Civil Rights Act, for example, applies to veterinary practices serving the public.

Privacy Laws

While HIPAA doesn't apply to veterinary records, state privacy laws and general consumer protection regulations require responsible handling of client personal and payment information.

View Privacy Laws
Veterinary Practice Acts

State veterinary practice acts govern telemedicine and digital services. Online prescription refills, telehealth consultations, and digital communications must comply with these regulations while remaining accessible.

Key Digital Touchpoints

Your website is often the first point of contact for potential clients:

  • Services and pricing information clearly presented
  • Location and hours with accessible maps
  • Staff and veterinarian bios
  • Pet care resources and educational content
  • Emergency contact information prominently displayed
  • New client forms in accessible formats
Common Issues:
  • Image galleries of facilities without alt text
  • PDF forms that aren't screen reader accessible
  • Maps without text-based directions

Appointment scheduling is a critical accessibility touchpoint:

  • Calendar date pickers with keyboard navigation
  • Clear appointment type selection
  • Service selection with descriptions
  • Pet selection or new pet registration
  • Appointment confirmation in accessible formats
  • Reminder notifications via email and text
Tip: Offer alternative booking methods (phone) and clearly communicate them on your website for clients who need accommodations.

Client portals provide ongoing access to pet health information:

  • Pet health records and vaccination history
  • Prescription refill requests
  • Lab results and test reports
  • Billing and payment history
  • Messaging with veterinary staff
  • Pet profile management

Telehealth consultations require accessible video platforms:

  • Keyboard accessible video controls
  • Screen reader compatible interfaces
  • Chat functionality for text-based communication
  • Clear connection instructions
  • Photo/video upload for showing pet symptoms
  • Follow-up summary in accessible format

E-commerce features for medications and products:

  • Product listings with proper structure
  • Filtering and sorting accessible via keyboard
  • Shopping cart with screen reader support
  • Checkout forms with proper labels
  • Prescription verification process
  • Order tracking in accessible format

Privacy & Data Handling

Veterinary practices collect personal and financial data from clients:

Client Data Collected
  • Contact information
  • Payment and billing details
  • Pet medical records
  • Prescription information
  • Emergency contact details
  • Communication preferences
Privacy Requirements
  • Clear, accessible privacy policy
  • Secure payment processing
  • Data retention policies
  • Consent for communications
  • Third-party sharing disclosures
  • Rights to access and correction

Service Animal Considerations

Veterinary practices often serve clients who have service animals in addition to their pets. Consider:

Digital Accessibility for Service Animal Handlers
  • Screen reader compatible interfaces for blind handlers
  • High contrast options for low vision users
  • Keyboard-only navigation for motor disabilities
  • Clear, simple language for cognitive accessibility
Website Content Considerations
  • Information about accommodating service animals during visits
  • Separate parking or entrance information if available
  • Service animal-specific care information
  • Emergency contact procedures for service animal handlers

Implementation Checklist

Veterinary Quick Stats
Client Demographics
27% of pet owners have disabilities
Key Platforms
Websites, booking, portals, telemedicine
Applicable Laws
ADA Title III, state consumer laws
Standard
WCAG 2.1 Level AA
Key Users
Service animal handlers, seniors with pets
Resources
Related Sectors