Buoy’s Law: Rx Information

Buoy’s Law

Have you heard about Buoy’s Law (NY Senate bill S1289B)? This new law requires that veterinarians provide specific details to pet owners each time a new drug is prescribed or dispensed. The law was named after Buoy, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever who died of renal failure while on carprofen following stifle surgery. The legislation passed December 15, 2022, and is expected to go into effect in June 2024.

In 2018, California passed a similar law called ‘Lizzie’s Law.’ Both of these laws aim to ensure that pet owners receive sufficient information to make informed decisions when medications are prescribed for their pets.

The Details on Buoy’s Law

Buoy’s Law requires that every time a veterinarian prescribes, dispenses, or provides a drug to an animal, they must provide the pet owner with:

• The name and description of the drug
• Directions for use
• Actions to be taken in the event of a missed dose
• Instructions for proper storage
• Any common reasonably anticipated adverse effects
• Manufacturer precautions and relevant warnings

This information can be provided in written form, verbally, or electronically.

We all want to ensure our patients are safe and their owners are well-informed. And the more information we can give pet owners about the drugs we prescribe, the better.