As pet people, we know first-hand how the increased cost of veterinary care impacts everything we do for our furry companions – and ourselves. Combined with the veterinary shortage, Humane Colorado leadership understood the need of our community and set forth campaigning for Proposition 129 – a ballot measure to introduce the VPA role. The VPA role, similar to a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant role, helps reduce the moral distress many veterinarians experience because they do not have the capacity to help more animals. This measure – approved by voters in November 2024 – was the subject of misinformation about its possible implementation and success. “When I graduated from veterinary school, I naively didn’t understand the difference between veterinary medicine and animal welfare. I’m wiser now, but my belief endures that there shouldn’t be a difference – our true north is to ensure animals receive needed care, and we figure out the ret. So, the intensity of the opposition from the profession surprised me. It seemed rooted in protectionism and fear.” – Dr. Apryl Steele Dr. Apryl Steele, President and CEO of Humane Colorado, shares the journey to the ballot, some of the misunderstandings about the VPA program, and the path to increased access to quality vet care for our pets. Read the full story Share Facebook TikTok Instagram