DENVER — Governor Jared Polis and former Republican gubernatorial nominee Heidi Ganahl announced their joint endorsement of Proposition 129, an initiative aimed at increasing access to veterinary care for Colorado's pets. This measure, which will establish a Veterinary Professional Associates (VPA) position, is poised to play a critical role in veterinary practice, offering a promising future for pet care in the state.
Proposition 129 seeks to create a trained veterinary practitioner akin to a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner in human medicine. This will empower VPAs to perform simple procedures and provide high-quality care, ultimately benefiting both pets and their owners who face the challenge of accessing veterinary care.
In a statement to the Valley Courier, Gov. Polis said, "I'm backing Prop. 129 because it will help save people money, support our ranchers in rural communities who are facing vet shortages through no fault of their own. This commonsense measure aligns with what Colorado already has in human medicine with Physicians Assistants and Nurse Practitioners and expands options for hardworking veterinarians to help grow their businesses and practices.
"Though Heidi and I don't agree on everything dogs and cats, we both enthusiastically endorse Prop 129, which would improve veterinary care in Colorado and save pet owners money by establishing a master's-level veterinary practitioner," said Polis. "This initiative is so important for addressing the growing veterinary shortage and ensuring that every pet in Colorado receives the care they deserve."
Ganahl added, "While I may not align with every aspect of what's happening in Colorado today, I am dog-gone thrilled to support Proposition 129. This initiative represents a significant step forward in improving pet care. By addressing the veterinary shortage, it will provide better and more affordable care for all animals. Proposition 129 is truly a win-win: it benefits rural communities as well as pet owners in our cities and suburbs."
Proposition 129 is opposed by veterinarian associations, both locally and nationally. They are concerned that VPAs would not have the experience and instruction needed to perform surgery safely. Currently, there are no accredited VPA education programs. Unlike veterinarians, who are required to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination, VPAs would not have to pass a national exam.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, "In partnership with the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, we voice strong opposition to the proposed VPA. Multiple other veterinary organizations have voiced their opposition to an MLP/VPA, including the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV). Numerous shelter veterinarians, former presidents of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, veterinary technicians, veterinary specialists and their associations (e.g., the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and American Veterinary Dental College), and pet owners also have voiced grave concerns about the proposed VPA in Colorado."
The Dumb Friends League is in favor of the measure. CEO Apryl Steele, DVM, CAWA, told the Valley Courier, "Our veterinary care system is broken. Veterinary practices regularly refuse patients because they are too busy to serve them. Pets with treatable conditions are being euthanized simply because their families cannot afford treatment. Veterinary fees have increased at twice the rate of inflation, and there are few options to obtain life-saving veterinary care for pet owners who don't have significant disposable income.
"The Dumb Friends League's mission is: 'Working with our compassionate community, we will end pet homelessness and animal suffering.' Lack of veterinary care causes vast suffering, and creating a Veterinary Professional Associate (Vet PA) position will increase access to life-saving treatment. We need our compassionate community to help us end animal suffering through a highly trained new professional who will work under the supervision of a veterinarian. Proposition 129 decreases regulations that block this systemic change that will facilitate healing for countless animals."
In addition to Polis and Ganahl, Proposition 129 is also endorsed by the Denver Post, the Colorado Republican Party, Animal Welfare Association of Colorado, the Dumb Friends League, the ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States, and many other animal welfare groups, veterinarians and local humane societies.
Ballots in Colorado will be mailed out starting on Oct. 13.
