Governor Schwarzenegger recently announced his plans to add a sales tax on veterinary services as part of his budget plan to stimulate the California economy.  This was part of a larger combination of program cuts and revenue increases to solve the multi-billion dollar budget shortfall.  It is particularly disturbing that veterinary services were included with "appliance and furniture repair, vehicle repair and golf."  All of the other healing arts professions were excluded from the sales tax proposal.

A special session of the Legislature must be convened to approve the Governor's plan.  The proposal would need to be approved by the Legislature with a two-thirds majority of both the Assembly and the Senate.

It is imperative that your voice be heard with respect to this important issue.  We urge you to write personal letters to the Governor, your state representatives and their leadership expressing your concerns and your opposition to this proposed tax.  It is easy to do.

Click on the "Take action" link at the top of this page. You'll be linked to an online form. Fill in the form. Add your comments to the template letter and hit "Send". Your protest will be automatically faxed to Governor Schwarzenegger and leaders of the state legislature. Your fax will also be sent to the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) in support of their effort to stop this law from being approved.