Proposition 129 would create a new, state regulated position of veterinary professional associate (VPA) and establish its educational requirements. Currently, licensed veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary technician specialists practice in Colorado and are regulated by the State Board of Veterinary Medicine. The new VPA position would require a master’s degree in veterinary clinical care. VPAs would be able to provide some care that requires a veterinarian today, such as routine spay and neuter surgeries. In comparison, vet techs only hold an associate’s degree, and vet tech specialists have an associate’s degree along with some additional training.
Supporters of the proposition believe that the new VPA position will help relieve the current shortage of veterinary care being experienced in Colorado, especially in many rural areas.
Opponents believe that the VPA would not have enough training to perform surgeries since even routine procedures can become complicated.