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The American Kennel Club joins the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs, and multiple other organizations in opposing Colorado Proposition 129, which is on the ballot for the November 2024 elections.

Colorado Proposition 129 seeks to address the concern of veterinary shortages by creating a new Veterinary Professional Associate credential that would allow the practice of veterinary medicine, including surgeries, if they are “under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian who is responsible for [their] performance.”

For more information on Proposition 129, visit the following website developed by veterinarians opposing the measure: www.KeepOurPetsSafe.com

Position of the AKC:

The health and well-being of all dogs is of primary concern to the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC respects the opinion of the AVMA and other veterinary experts who have studied this issue in depth, and we share their strong concerns about allowing those with this new mid-level practitioner credential to conduct complex medical procedures without adequate training or oversight.

We recognize concerns about the availability of veterinary services. However, we are concerned that this “fix” could be deleterious to both individual patients and to overall standards of care.

AKC agrees with AVMA and Colorado veterinarians that a better approach is to improve the integration and advancement of existing credentialled veterinary team members, including veterinary technicians, veterinary technologists, and veterinary technician specialists. We also support programs such as tuition reimbursement and scholarship programs that incentivize the training of more fully qualified, licensed veterinarians.

We join AVMA, the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, the Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs, and veterinarians throughout the state in urging Colorado residents to vote “no” on Proposition 129.