The Colorado secretary of state’s office determined on Aug. 28 that Initiative 145, sponsored by All Pets Deserve Vet Care, qualified for the November ballot. The group had submitted 207,182 signatures for the initiative on July 29, surpassing the required 124,238 valid signatures.

The initiative would create the profession of veterinary professional associate (VPA), which would require a master’s degree and registration with the State Board of Veterinary Medicine. VPAs would be allowed to practice veterinary medicine under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

Under Initiative 145, the Board of Veterinary Medicine would be charged with implementing requirements for licensing VPAs and establishing a nationally recognized credentialing organization to credential VPAs. The credentialing organization could require VPA candidates to complete a university-approved program for veterinary professional associates and pass a VPA exam.

Currently, in Colorado, veterinarians must earn a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree, which is typically a four-year degree program after earning a four-year bachelor’s degree, while veterinary technicians must earn an associate’s degree.

Dr. Apryl Steele, CEO of the Dumb Friends League, which sponsored the initiative, said, “We have a severe workforce crisis. There’s long wait times, whether it’s routine or emergency. Veterinary hospitals aren’t accepting new patients.” The Dumb Friends League describes itself as an animal welfare organization that offers sheltering, adoptions, and veterinary services.

The Animal Welfare Association of Colorado, the ASPCA, the Virtual Veterinary Care Association, and the Animal Policy Group also support the initiative.

The Colorado Veterinary Medical Association opposes the initiative. Dr. Kelly Walsh, president of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, said the initiative “presents dangerous risks by permitting VPAs to practice the full scope of veterinary medicine — including performing surgery — with inadequate, mostly online training. Surgical procedures, even routine surgeries, are highly complex and require extensive veterinary training and expertise. Allowing inadequately prepared individuals to perform such procedures fundamentally undermines veterinary care and places animal lives in jeopardy.”

The initiative was the 14th measure to qualify for the November ballot. It is the seventh citizen-initiated measure to qualify for the ballot. The Colorado State Legislature referred five constitutional amendments and two statutes to the ballot.

There are two more citizen initiatives awaiting signature verification, which is expected on Aug. 30.

Colorado Veterinary Professional Associate Initiative (2024)