Colorado voters are being asked to expand the class of veterinary professionals who can practice under state law to help provide relief to overworked animal doctors, amid a shortage of veterinarians.
Proposition 129 would add veterinary professional associate as a new mid-level position in Colorado’s field of veterinary care. That licensure is currently limited to veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians and registered veterinary technician specialists.
The unemployment rate for veterinarians in 2023 was 0.5%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, while the national unemployment rate was 3.6%. Last year, 95.7% of graduates reported receiving a job offer or an opportunity for advanced education two to three weeks before graduation, according to a recent American Veterinary Medical Association Report, pointing to high demand.
Prop. 129 was petitioned onto the ballot by the Vet Care Coalition, which includes veterinarians and animal advocates, and the Dumb Friends League. But some groups have opposed the ballot initiative, including the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association.
Since the measure would change state law, it requires a simple majority to pass in the Nov. 5 election.
What would Proposition 129 do if passed?
Under the measure, a qualified veterinary professional associate would have to receive a master’s degree in veterinary clinical care, or an equivalent degree determined by the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine. The board regulates registered professions and creates rules for their professional and academic qualifications and continuing education requirements. It also metes out discipline.
Similar to a vet tech or vet tech specialist, a person working in the new associate position could perform tasks that are within their advanced education and training, but they still would have to be supervised by a veterinarian.
How much would it cost?
The state’s Blue Book voter guide says the measure, if passed, would increase workload for the state board as it adopts rules, but it says spending “is expected to be minimal” initially. State expenses are expected to increase to provide oversight and enforcement for the new profession, but no estimate is provided; registration fees charged to people in the profession are expected to “increase in equal amounts.”
What do supporters say?
According to the Blue Book, the main argument in favor of Prop 129 is that it would ease many Coloradans’ struggle to get medical care for their animals, especially in agricultural communities. In addition to cats and dogs, rural areas are home to horses, cattle, goats, sheep and other livestock that need care.
Allowing new veterinary providers to practice under state law could create more training and career opportunities for veterinary professionals, proponents argue, leading to expanded access.
What do opponents say?
Opponents of Prop 129 argue that the measure’s education and training requirements are vague and do not differentiate veterinary professional associates from existing veterinary care professionals. They also question whether the training requirements are sufficient for the role. Some opponents argue that since there are no existing academic programs for the position in the state, creating a new and untested profession could increase risk for animals under their care.
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