Colorado's Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA): What It Is, Where It Stands and Why It Is Contested

In November 2024, Colorado did something no state had done: voters created a new veterinary profession at the ballot box. Proposition 129 established the veterinary professional associate (VPA), a mid level practitioner with a master's degree who can perform some work that until now only veterinarians could do. It passed narrowly, with about 52% of the vote, over strong opposition from organized veterinary medicine.

Two years later, the role is being built. This guide explains what a VPA is, where the rules stand, and what it may mean for practices and job seekers.

What a VPA is

A VPA is a mid level veterinary practitioner, sometimes compared with a physician assistant in human medicine. As the AVMA described the proposal, a VPA would be a master's level trained person allowed to practice some veterinary medicine, including diagnosing, creating treatment plans and performing some surgery, under a veterinarian's oversight.

A VPA is not a veterinarian and not a veterinary technician. It sits between them.

Qualifications

According to the AAVSB's summary of Colorado law, a VPA must:

• Be at least 21.
• Hold a master's degree in an appropriate field. Colorado State University's veterinary college has been developing a Master of Veterinary Clinical Care program for the role.
• Pass a credentialing exam approved by the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine.

Passing the exam earns a VPA credential, renewable every two years with continuing education. The credential alone does not allow someone to practice. They must then register with the Colorado board as a VPA.

Where the rules stand

• November 5, 2024: voters pass Proposition 129.
• May 30, 2025: Governor Jared Polis signs House Bill 25-1285, which sets and modifies requirements for practice by VPAs.
• August 2025: the Colorado board approves the AAVSB as the exam and credentialing provider.
• January 1, 2026: the board's initial rules under Proposition 129 and HB 25-1285 take effect.
• Further rulemaking on HB 25-1285 is expected, and the board has said it will publish a timeline.

As of the AAVSB's latest update, the date of the VPA exam and the full scope of practice were still to be determined. Check the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations for the current status before relying on any specific scope.

Why it is contested

The case against

The AVMA and the Colorado VMA opposed Proposition 129, and more than 200 veterinary, humane and breed organizations joined them, including AAHA and the Relief Veterinary Medical Association. A survey cited by the AVMA found 95% of Colorado veterinarians opposed the role. Their arguments:

• A mostly online master's program gives too little hands on clinical training for diagnosis and surgery.
• There was no accredited program, no comprehensive exam and no licensing system in place when voters approved it.
• The role duplicates what veterinarians and veterinary technicians already do. Colorado had recently passed a law expanding technicians' delegated duties.

The AVMA's own workforce data adds a point: it argues that veterinarians are not working fewer hours, so analyses predicting a large shortage overstate the need. See the four day week in veterinary practice for the hours data.

The case for

Supporters, led by All Pets Deserve Vet Care with backing from the Dumb Friends League, the ASPCA and others, argued that:

• Many pet owners cannot get or afford veterinary care, especially in shelters and underserved areas.
• A new role creates a career ladder and more capacity faster than training more veterinarians.
• Human medicine has used mid level practitioners for decades.

The national picture

The AAVSB's delegates voted in 2025 to support Colorado's board in building the VPA, but did not endorse expanding the role to other states. For now, the VPA exists only in Colorado.

What it means for technicians

Many technicians worry the VPA will compete with them. The AVMA's position is that technicians, used to the full extent of their training, are the better answer to workforce pressure. Whatever happens with the VPA, that argument is good news for credentialed technicians: it has pushed states, including Colorado, to expand what technicians may do. See what a vet tech can legally do, by state.

What it means for Colorado practices

• Watch the scope rules. Until the board finishes rulemaking, it is not clear exactly which tasks a VPA may do and under what supervision.
• Expect the first VPAs in shelters and access to care settings, where supporters focused their case.
• Verify carefully. A VPA registration is a distinct credential from a veterinary license and from a technician registration.

What Colorado jobs pay

From Colorado technician postings that stated pay in Zuse's data in November 2026, the typical advertised rate was $27.50 an hour, above the national typical of $26.00. See veterinary technician pay by state.

How Zuse helps

On Zuse Talent, Colorado veterinarians and technicians browse vet tech jobs and veterinarian jobs with pay shown. As Colorado begins registering VPAs, we will add them as a distinct credential.

Sources

• Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations, Colorado Veterinary VPA Information
• AAVSB, Veterinary Professional Associate FAQ (October 2025)
• AVMA News, Midlevel practitioner proposal secures enough votes in Colorado (November 7, 2024)

The VPA rules are still being written. Confirm the current status with the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine.

FAQ

What is a veterinary professional associate?

A mid level veterinary practitioner created in Colorado by Proposition 129 in 2024. A VPA holds a master's degree, passes a credentialing exam and registers with the Colorado board, and may perform some work previously limited to veterinarians.

What are the requirements to become a VPA?

Under Colorado law as summarized by the AAVSB: be at least 21, hold a master's degree in an appropriate field, pass a credentialing exam approved by the board, then register with the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine.

Can VPAs practice in other states?

No. The role exists only in Colorado. The AAVSB supported Colorado's board but did not endorse expanding the role to other states.

When did the VPA rules take effect?

The Colorado board's initial rules and House Bill 25-1285 took effect on January 1, 2026. Further rulemaking is expected, and the exam date and full scope were still being set.

Why do veterinary groups oppose the VPA?

The AVMA and Colorado VMA argue that a mostly online master's program does not provide enough clinical training for diagnosis and surgery, and that fully using veterinary technicians is a better answer to workforce needs.