California addresses veterinarian shortage, expands scope of veterinary staff
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Legislation expanding duties Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) and veterinary assistants can perform was signed into law this week.
According to a 2023 University of California, Davis study, California shelters lack adequate veterinary staffing, and more than half of California shelters are unable to provide care for “basic medical needs.”
RVTs and veterinary assistants often assist in medical procedures and patient care. Sponsored by the San Diego Humane Society, Assembly Bill (AB) 516 and Senate Bill (SB) 602 expand the responsibilities staff can carry out.
“This is a victory for California’s animals and their families,” President and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society Dr. Gary Weitzman said.
Assemblymember Ash Kalra’s AB 516 was signed into law by Governor Newsom on Monday. The bill clarifies the scope of veterinary assistants and RVTs, stating they are “allowed to perform any task that they are not explicitly prohibited from undertaking by law.”
Supervising veterinarians are still able to restrict staff from doing tasks at their discretion.
Legislation expanding duties Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) and veterinary assistants can perform was signed into law this week. (San Diego Humane Society) 
Legislation expanding duties Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) and veterinary assistants can perform was signed into law this week. (San Diego Humane Society) 
Legislation expanding duties Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) and veterinary assistants can perform was signed into law this week. (San Diego Humane Society) 
Legislation expanding duties Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) and veterinary assistants can perform was signed into law this week. (San Diego Humane Society)
Authored by State Senator Dave Cortese, SB 602 was signed into law by Newsom on Friday. The bill allows RVTs to perform essential appointments such as administering vaccine and parasite control without a supervising veterinarian on-site.
“This measure will help bridge the care gap for vulnerable animals in shelters and underserved communities,” the San Diego Humane Society said in a statement.
The signing of these bills comes after the San Diego Humane Society worked alongside several groups to advocate for these reforms, including: the San Francisco SPCA, CalAnimals, Valley Humane Society, Best Friends Animal Society, ASPCA, Michelson Center for Public Policy and the Humane World for Animals.
“By improving access to veterinary care, supporting veterinary professionals, and ensuring all pets have access to veterinary care, we’re creating a state where every animal has the chance to live a healthy, full life with families who love them,” Weitzman said.
