We disagree with Gov. Jared Polis. Not only is a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) not needed, but the proposed VPA puts the health and safety of Colorado’s pets and other animals at risk.

There is no “gap” in veterinary services. The proposed VPA duplicates the work veterinarians and veterinary technicians already perform. Veterinarians diagnose, prognose, develop treatment plans, prescribe and perform surgery. Veterinary technicians can do anything else. In fact, Colorado recently passed a law that supports veterinarians in delegating appropriate duties to their veterinary technicians and expands their role. The VPA role, if authorized by Proposition 129, would put inadequately trained individuals with a mostly online masters degree into medical decision-making roles and allow them to perform surgery which jeopardizes the safety of Colorado’s animals and the future of veterinary care. 

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As pandemic effects wane, the number of new clients, new patients and overall visits in veterinary practices are declining. In addition, most colleges of veterinary medicine have increased class sizes, and at least 12 new programs are in development. Not only is the number of veterinarians likely to be sufficient to meet demand into the 2030s, but some experts suggest we may face an oversupply. Gaps in specific areas of practice need targeted solutions. A veterinarian whose passion is dogs and cats isn’t going to suddenly redirect that passion to cattle. 

Speaking of gaps, Prop 129 fails to address the needs of Colorado’s rural veterinary services. Not only is the proposed curriculum for a VPA wholly insufficient — creating health and safety risks for Colorado’s pets — but training VPAs to care for dogs and cats does not prepare them to tend to horses or food animals, whose anatomy, physiology and health conditions differ greatly. Legal requirements for treating these animals are also different. Under state and federal regulations, a VPA would be unable to issue health certificates or conduct required disease testing, significantly limiting their usefulness in rural areas.

Finally, the idea a VPA would reduce cost lacks evidence. Insufficient training makes misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment much more likely, leading to repeat visits and increased expenses for animal owners. Even if a VPA could lower labor costs, there is no guarantee these savings will reach clients.

Gov. Polis’ support for Prop 129 ignores critical details. Do not be misled — vote NO on Prop 129!

Diane Matt

Chief executive, Colorado Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)

Dr. Janet Donlin

Chief executive of American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

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