Colorado Approves New Veterinary Role to Combat Care Shortages: Here’s What It Means for Vets
In a close vote, Colorado voters have passed Proposition 129, which establishes a new veterinary role aimed at improving access to care, particularly in rural areas. The measure, approved by 52.4% of voters as of Thursday morning, introduces the position of Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA), a state-regulated role designed to support licensed veterinarians by performing specific clinical tasks under supervision.
This decision comes in response to Colorado’s veterinary care shortage, especially in underserved regions. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture designated 25 counties in Colorado as needing additional veterinary services, and a Colorado State University (CSU) survey found that 71% of veterinary professionals had to turn away clients at least weekly due to capacity constraints.
What the New VPA Role Entails
VPAs are intended to provide intermediate-level veterinary care, bridging the gap between veterinary technicians and fully licensed veterinarians. The State Board of Veterinary Medicine will define the scope of practice for VPAs, which may include tasks such as spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and routine care, but always under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
To qualify as a VPA, candidates must be at least 18 years old, hold a master’s degree in veterinary clinical care, and register with the state. CSU is currently developing a master’s program specifically for training VPAs, and the first cohort is expected to graduate in approximately three years. Proponents of the measure have suggested that the new role may offer a less expensive path into the field compared to traditional veterinary training, potentially making veterinary care more accessible and affordable in the long term.
Support and Concerns Surrounding Proposition 129
Organizations such as the Dumb Friends League and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) backed the measure, arguing that VPAs will help alleviate demand in veterinary practices, especially in areas where access to care is limited. Proponents believe the new role could make care more available and affordable for pet owners by increasing the number of qualified providers.
Opposition to Proposition 129 came from groups such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Keep Our Pets Safe campaign. These groups argued that a recently enacted law expanding the responsibilities of veterinary technicians was a preferable solution. Opponents expressed concerns about VPAs performing procedures typically reserved for veterinarians, suggesting it may pose risks to animal safety and care standards.
In a statement, Keep Our Pets Safe emphasized concerns about VPAs having “considerable authority over animals’ care without the training and accountability necessary to ensure they deliver that care competently and safely.” The group noted its intention to work with state regulators to establish stringent oversight for the VPA position.
Next Steps and Implementation
With the proposition passed, regulatory agencies, veterinary schools, and the veterinary community will now begin defining and implementing the new role. The Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine will work to outline the precise responsibilities, required training, and supervision standards for VPAs. The timeline suggests that the first graduates of CSU’s VPA master’s program may begin entering the field within three years, with the aim of supporting veterinary practices and expanding care access across the state.
This shift signals a new approach to addressing Colorado’s veterinary care needs, particularly in rural areas where resources are scarce. The integration of VPAs will likely evolve over time as stakeholders in the veterinary field collaborate to develop a framework that upholds animal care quality while broadening access to services.
