SB1199 is a bill that amends the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding a new section related to damages in veterinarian malpractice actions. The bill allows a person who prevails in a malpractice action against a veterinarian to receive reasonable damages for the death of their domestic animal. These damages include the fair market value of the animal and the cost of all reasonable and necessary veterinary medical expenses resulting from the malpractice.

The bill defines "domestic animal" as a mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian that is not regulated by Title 3 and is kept primarily as a pet or companion, or is bred to be a pet or companion. The bill removes the previous provision that allowed a person to receive $10,000 for future loss of companionship and specifies that the term "domestic animal" includes domestic dogs and cats. The bill becomes effective on the general effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-2240.04
Senate Engrossed Version: 32-2240.04