Expanding Opportunities for Animals to Get Health Services Throughout California is the Point of Senator Cortese’s Bill Passed by the California Assembly Committee On Business & Professions

SACRAMENTO –  The state Assembly Committee on Business and Professions today passed Senator Dave Cortese’s SB 602 which would permit a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) to conduct vaccine and parasite control wellness appointments in many animal shelters.

The bill now moves forward to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. 

SB 602 would expand opportunities for animals to get health services across the state of California. Currently, in many shelters, a Registered Veterinary Technician can only conduct a vaccine appointment if a veterinarian is present at the shelter.  This bill would allow these appointments so long as a veterinarian is available by phone.

“My bill will loosen the limitations on Registered Veterinary Technicians working in animal shelters. It would make veterinary care more accessible by expanding access to basic veterinary care and reducing barriers for underserved pet owners and shelter animals,” said Senator Dave Cortese. “Right now there is an enormous shortage of veterinary professionals, especially in animal shelters.” 

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.

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