Wyoming Legislative Committee Rejects Veterinary Technician Licensing Bill
Wyoming continues to face a shortage of large animal veterinarians, and a recent effort to establish a veterinary technician licensure was not advanced by the state legislature. During a meeting of the Joint Agriculture Committee in Casper, lawmakers voted 7-6 against sponsoring draft bill 26LSO-0017, which would have created a licensed veterinary technician position in Wyoming.
Supporters argued the bill could help alleviate the state’s veterinarian shortage and provide a career pathway for veterinary technicians. “We think this would be of assistance to help alleviate that problem,” said Brett Moline, policy advocacy director of the Wyoming Farm Bureau. Eastern Wyoming College already offers a veterinary technician program, but graduates currently cannot be licensed in the state.
Wyoming State Veterinarian Hallie Hasel encouraged legislators to visit the Torrington college to better understand the program’s value. “They are so incredibly proud of their degrees… I think if you had a chance to visit that program, this might clarify a lot of this discussion,” she said.
While the bill would have established licensing, it would not have required veterinarians to hire a veterinary technician, accommodating Wyoming’s diverse veterinary practices. Joe Dona, President-elect of the Wyoming Veterinary Medical Association (WVMA), noted that the majority of WVMA members supported the bill, and that licensed technicians could help practices operate more efficiently.
Rep. Bob Davis highlighted the consumer protection aspect, stating that the bill would ensure veterinary care is delivered correctly. Some legislators expressed concerns over potential costs to pet owners, though supporters said licensing would not likely increase veterinary fees and could actually improve clinic revenue by adding trained professionals.
Although the bill will not receive committee sponsorship for the 2026 budget session, an individual lawmaker may still introduce it when the legislative session begins February 9, 2026.
