Congressman Cory Mills introduced the Practitioner Enforcement and Tracking of Substances Act (PETS Act) on May 27, legislation intended to strengthen Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) compliance for veterinarians and enhance transparency in the dispensing of controlled substances. The bill aims to prevent exploitation or intentional harm of animals for the purpose of obtaining controlled substances.
The PETS Act proposes updates to federal law by clarifying that licensed veterinarians must comply with PDMP requirements when prescribing or dispensing controlled substances. It establishes clear reporting standards that link records to an animal’s owner or primary caretaker. The legislation also strengthens reporting requirements for non-fatal overdose events and reinforces consistent standards for oversight across practitioners. Currently, states have varying rules for tracking prescription drugs, resulting in inconsistent reporting by veterinarians and gaps where some drugs may not be properly tracked.
“Prescription drug monitoring programs are a critical tool in combating substance misuse and protecting public health,” Congressman Mills said. “The PETS Act ensures these safeguards are applied consistently, including in the veterinary space where controlled substances still require proper oversight. This legislation strengthens accountability, improves data reporting, and helps close gaps that can be exploited in the system.”
Key provisions include requiring veterinarians to comply with PDMP consultation and reporting requirements when prescribing controlled substances; clarifying procedures by associating records with owners or caretakers; expanding PDMP reporting requirements to include non-fatal overdose events within 72 hours; strengthening federal standards to reduce misuse; and reinforcing consistency across states regarding PDMP compliance expectations.
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs are state-run electronic databases used to track prescriptions of controlled substances. While some states require veterinarians’ participation in these programs, compliance varies significantly nationwide. The PETS Act seeks clearer federal guidance and improved consistency in both reporting and oversight.
Cory Mills is currently serving in the U.S. Congress representing Florida’s 7th district after replacing Stephanie Murphy in 2023, according to his official biography.
