(a) A veterinarian licensed in this or another licensing jurisdiction, or a person working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, who renders emergency care to an injured or ill animal that reasonably appears to the veterinarian or supervised person to be in immediate need of emergency aid in order to avoid serious harm or death is not liable for civil damages as a result of an act or omission in rendering emergency aid.
(b) This section does not apply to service rendered at the request of an owner of the animal and does not preclude liability for civil damages as a result of gross negligence or reckless or intentional misconduct.