(a) For purposes of this section, "emergency care" means medical care rendered to an ill or injured animal that, in the reasoned opinion of the veterinarian, has a life-threatening condition and immediate medical treatment is necessary to sustain life or alleviate or end suffering.
(b) After a reasonable opportunity to assess an animal's medical condition and before providing medical treatment, a veterinarian must disclose to the owner or caretaker that the animal requires emergency care and treatment.
(c) The disclosure required by subsection (b) of this section must contain:
  (1) a description of the proposed treatment(s), with reasonable options, if any; and
  (2) the estimated price of the proposed treatment option(s).
(d) If the animal's medical condition changes, before continuing treatment, a veterinarian must update the disclosures required by subsection (c) of this section.
(e) The person presenting an animal to the veterinarian for emergency care and treatment is presumed to be the owner or caretaker of that animal.

Source Note: The provisions of this §573.83 adopted to be effective June 13, 2024, 49 TexReg 4054