WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Jason Chaffetz introduced H.R. 3174, Fairness to Pet Owners Act of 2015. This legislation will allow America's 71 million pet owners to shop around for the best price available when filling pet prescriptions.

"Having the ability to shop around will mean real savings for consumers. This legislation will create more competition, lower prices, provide greater medication options, and increase shopping convenience. As prices drop, treating ill pets will be more affordable, allowing owners to enjoy more time with their pets," said Chaffetz.

Americans spend nearly $10 billion every year on pet medications and pet health-related products. Federal law bars pet owners from buying many of these products without a prescription, but at the same time fails to give consumers the right to a copy of the prescription. The Fairness to Pet Owners Act would give pet owners the right to a copy of their pet's prescriptions from the veterinarian's office.

Among the organizations supporting this legislation are the ASPCA, the Food Marketing Institute, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, and the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.