Mission Pet Health, one of the largest veterinary care networks in the U.S., has publicly voiced concerns about Colorado’s newly established veterinary professional associate (VPA) role, citing potential impacts on veterinary standards, patient safety, and the profession’s workforce.
The organization acknowledged the need to address access to veterinary care, particularly in rural and low-income communities, but argued that the VPA model does not adequately address the underlying workforce challenges. Mission contended that VPAs will enter the profession with substantially less education and clinical training than veterinarians and that the model could create additional oversight responsibilities for veterinarians while potentially increasing their professional liability.
“Mission Pet Health rejects the notion that veterinary medicine must choose between expanding access and maintaining quality,” said Dr. Jay Price, CEO of Mission Pet Health. “The profession can, and should, achieve both. The question is not whether change is necessary, but which changes best strengthen the veterinary team while preserving the trust that pet owners place in licensed veterinary professionals.”
Mission also questioned whether the new role will improve access to care in underserved areas, noting changes in veterinary workforce projections, clinical demand, and the increasing use of technology to improve practice efficiency and reduce burnout. The company argued that VPAs could ultimately compete with newly graduated veterinarians for clinical positions.
As an alternative, Mission Pet Health advocated for expanding the role of credentialed veterinary technicians, including title protection, increased practice scope, and the development of additional veterinary technician specialist programs.
“We already have highly trained, capable colleagues in our CrVTs, who are an integral part of clinical practice,” said Dr. Daniella Dos Santos, director of government relations for Mission Pet Health. “Rather than adding complexity and competition from a role without the same level of training and accountability, we should be focused on supporting professionals who are already within the veterinary industry so that they have the most fulfilling career possible.”
Colorado voters approved Proposition 129 in 2024, creating the VPA position to address veterinary workforce shortages. House Bill 25-1285, which took effect January 1, 2026, subsequently established additional requirements for the role. Under the new framework, VPAs must earn a master’s degree, pass a credentialing examination, and register with the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine.
Colorado State University has developed a Master of Science in Veterinary Critical Care to prepare students for the VPA role. The program includes three online semesters totaling 40 credits, 416 hours of in-person training, and a 540-hour clinical internship. The first class of VPA students will begin classes this fall.
According to CSU, VPAs will deliver routine care under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, focusing on front-line assessments and identifying abnormal findings on physical exams and diagnostic tests. They will not be permitted to prescribe or establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
Mission Pet Health joins a growing number of veterinary organizations that have expressed opposition to veterinary midlevel practitioner models, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, state and territorial veterinary medical associations, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.
Meanwhile, Colorado’s implementation of the VPA role is moving forward. The Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine has completed the rulemaking related to Proposition 129 and is accepting applications for VPA registration. However, registrations are not expected to become available until later in 2026 because the required credentialing by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards is still under development. The board also plans additional rulemaking related to HB25-1285, with a timeline to be announced.