Governor Newsom Signs Bill to Expand Animal Health Services

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senator Dave Cortese’s SB 602 that will expand opportunities for animals to get health services across the state of California by permitting a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) to conduct vaccine and parasite control wellness appointments in many animal shelters.

Right now Registered Veterinary Technicians can only conduct a vaccine appointment if a veterinarian is present at the shelter. The new law will allow these appointments so long as a veterinarian is available by phone. Since shelters often struggle to have a veterinarian on-site at all times, this bill allows them to serve more animals and pet owners more efficiently.

This law builds on Senator Cortese’s earlier legislation, SB 669 (Cortese, 2023), which expanded the responsibilities of veterinary technicians to address the urgent shortage of animal care professionals in California, especially in underserved communities.

“By allowing shelters to hold more wellness and vaccination clinics, the new law reduces barriers to basic care for low-income pet owners,” said Senator Dave Cortese. “The law is designed to combat the profound impact of the veterinary professional shortage on vulnerable animals. By maximizing the roles of veterinary staff, it opens up new paths to treat animals in need at most shelters.” 

Since shelters often struggle to have a veterinarian on-site at all times, the new law allows them to serve more animals and pet owners more efficiently. More than 344,000 California shelter animals do not have adequate access to veterinary care staff, according to a survey released in 2023 by the SF SPCA  which highlights how veterinary professional shortages are profoundly impacting California’s most vulnerable animals.

"This is an incredible day for animals in our community and throughout California," said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society. "This bill will provide a critical expansion in support for animals in shelters and owned pets visiting our vaccine clinics. Accessible and affordable wellness care for animals is essential to the health of our communities, and SB 602 ensures more pets can receive this crucial care. We're so grateful to Senator Cortese for pioneering this bill and to Governor Newsom for bringing it into reality for the animals we love."

"We all know how animal shelters play a crucial role in providing low-cost veterinary services, particularly for those in underserved communities," said San Francisco SPCA CEO, Dr. Jennifer Scarlett. "Unfortunately, many shelters struggle to meet their daily needs due to the ongoing veterinary shortage in California. By expanding the roles and responsibilities of our highly trained Registered Veterinary Technicians, this bill will help increase access to care for our state's animals, meaning more safe and healthy pets and greater protections for the public. We are incredibly grateful for Senator Cortese's leadership on this issue and thank him and Governor Newsom for seeing this bill through to the finish line."

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