The bill establishes a charity care program for emergency veterinary care, allowing low-income individuals who qualify for the state's charity care program to also receive free or reduced-cost emergency veterinary services for their pets at participating veterinary hospitals. The definition of "pet" is specified as any animal acquired for companionship, excluding exotic animals. To qualify for this program, individuals must meet the income and asset criteria set forth in the existing charity care program, which provides hospital care to low-income patients without health insurance. However, those with pet health insurance covering emergency services will not be eligible for this program.

The Commissioner of Health is tasked with implementing the program, which includes developing an application process for both individuals seeking veterinary services and veterinary hospitals wishing to participate. The bill also mandates the commissioner to create a funding allocation methodology for the participating hospitals and appropriates necessary funds from the General Fund for the program's implementation. The act will take effect on the first day of the ninth month following its enactment, although the commissioner may take anticipatory administrative actions as needed.