Governor Jared Polis and Former Opponent Heidi Ganahl Actually Agree on Something Important for Colorado Pets

Polis and Ganahl unite in support of Proposition 129, which would establish a Veterinary Professional Associate position

DENVER, Col., (September 19, 2024) – Today, Governor Jared Polis and former Republican Gubernatorial nominee and founder of Camp Bow Wow Heidi Ganahl announced their joint endorsement of Proposition 129, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at increasing access to veterinary care for Colorado’s pets. This important measure will establish a Veterinary Professional Associates (Vet PA) position, which will play a critical role in veterinary practice.

Proposition 129 seeks to create a highly trained veterinary practitioner, akin to a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner in human medicine. This innovative approach will empower VPAs to perform simple procedures and provide high-quality care, ultimately benefiting both pets and their owners who face the challenge of accessing veterinary care.

“Though Heidi and I don’t agree on everything dogs and cats, we both enthusiastically endorse Prop 129 which would improve veterinary care in Colorado and save pet owners money by establishing a master’s-level veterinary practitioner,” said Governor Jared Polis. “This initiative is so important for addressing the growing veterinary shortage and ensuring that every pet in Colorado receives the care they deserve.”

Heidi Ganahl added, “While I may not align with every aspect of what’s happening in Colorado today, I am dog-gone thrilled to support Proposition 129. This initiative represents a significant step forward in improving care for our pets. By addressing the veterinary shortage, it will provide better and more affordable care for all animals. Proposition 129 is truly a win-win: it benefits rural communities, as well as pet owners in our cities and suburbs.”

Proposition 129 will be on the ballot this upcoming election, and its passage would mark a significant advancement in veterinary care across Colorado. The initiative promises not only to alleviate the burdens on existing veterinary services but also to ensure that all pets, regardless of their location, have access to quality healthcare.

In addition to Polis and Ganahl, Proposition 129 is also endorsed by the Denver Post, the Colorado Republican Party, Animal Welfare Association of Colorado, the Dumb Friends League, the ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States, and many other animal welfare groups, veterinarians and local humane societies.

For more information about Proposition 129 and its benefits for Colorado’s pets and their owners, please visit allpetsdeservevetcare.com.

About All Pets Deserve Vet Care  

All Pets Deserve Vet Care is an alliance that includes animal welfare organizations, veterinarians and technicians, pet owners, ranchers and other experts with a common goal to find workable solutions to the state’s costly veterinary workforce shortage. Organizational coalition members supporting the legislation include the Animal Welfare Association of Colorado (AWAC), Colorado Voters for Animals, the Dumb Friends League (DFL), Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR), Roice-Hurst Humane Society, NOCO Humane, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Individual supporters include four former presidents of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), as well as many veterinarians, practice owners and animal welfare advocates across the nation. For more information and to support efforts to increase access to veterinary care across Colorado, please visit allpetsdeservevetcare.com. 

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