The ballot measure that would create a new, state-regulated veterinary position in Colorado aimed at addressing the shortage of veterinary care, especially in rural areas, was too close to call as votes were still being tallied late Tuesday night.
Proposition 129 would establish the position of veterinary professional associate, or VPA, and define its educational requirements. It needs a simple majority to pass. The count remained too close to call Tuesday night, with less than 5 percentage points separating the sides with 64% of the votes counted.
VPAs would be allowed to provide more types of care considered within the scope of their qualifications, but only while under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The State Board of Veterinary Medicine would develop the precise parameters of those procedures and the level of supervision required.
While the current position of veterinary technician can do some procedures, VPAs would have greater latitude in a clinical setting to perform routine care such as spay and neuter surgeries.
Proponents pushed the measure in response to a veterinary care shortage nationally and in Colorado, where in 2021 the U.S. Department of Agriculture identified 25 rural counties as service shortage areas. Additionally, a Colorado State University survey of more than 700 veterinary professionals statewide revealed that 71% of respondents had to redirect clients at least once a week because they were unable to provide care.
Those in favor of the measure said that a new position with lower costs for tuition than what’s required for a veterinary degree could ultimately increase access to care and lower consumer costs. And by taking some routine procedures off the plate of veterinarians, it would allow them to focus on more complex issues.
Candidates for the VPA position would need to be at least 18 years old, hold a master’s degree in veterinary clinical care and be registered by the state. The CSU veterinary school has been working to build a master’s program for VPAs. Although they’re currently not allowed to work in Colorado vet clinics, future VPAs could work in animal shelters, which also often have difficulty providing veterinary care, regardless of whether the measure passes.
Opponents said that a recently enacted law that expands the responsibilities of vet techs provides a better option for making care more readily available. They also contended that unqualified individuals could end up performing surgery and put animals at risk. Another argument against the proposition suggested that the new position was advanced for the financial benefit of colleges and would saddle candidates with student debt.
The campaign committee All Pets Deserve Vet Care, backed primarily by the Dumb Friends League and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, reported about $1.2 million in contributions toward advancing the ballot measure.
Working to defeat the proposition was Keep Our Pets Safe, which reported nearly $1 million in cash and in-kind donations from the American Veterinary Medical Association, which represents the veterinary profession.