Governor Signs Senator Cortese's SB 669 to Protect California Pets

Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that he has signed Senator Cortese’s legislation expanding healthcare access to California’s dogs and cats. SB 669 allows veterinarian technicians, or vet techs, to take on new responsibilities following the permission of a licensed veterinarian. SB 669 would allow vet techs to administer vaccines to pets as well as prophylactic treatments for internal and external parasites.

“I applaud the Governor for understanding that a veterinarian shortage is leaving lower-income residents struggling to care for their furry friends,” said Senator Cortese (D-San Jose). “Now that SB 669 is the law, vet techs will be able to step up their duties under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. This law will dramatically expand access to pet healthcare and prolong the lives of pets across California.”

“The signing of SB 669 into law is an enormous win for the pets and the people who love them in California,” said Kenn Altine, CEO of Sacramento SPCA. “This new law increases access to, and education of, basic veterinary care for all California's pets, including those most vulnerable in low-income communities.”

Rising competition for veterinarians has caused nonprofits across California to scale down or shut down their low-cost or free vaccine clinics. Sixty percent of California's animal shelters and animal welfare groups report having vacant veterinary positions. Furthermore, 80% of shelters have faced challenges in consistently offering community care programs. This trend has disproportionally reduced pet healthcare for lower-income Californians. Meanwhile, unvaccinated pets pose a public health hazard as they are at risk of catching and transmitting rabies and canine parvovirus.

Registered vet techs are trained and licensed professionals who have completed two-year programs and passed national and state examination boards. The new law, SB 669, allows them to assume certain responsibilities in the service of underserved pet owners, and a high quality of care will continue under the watch of a licensed veterinarian.

Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov

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