The ballot measure that would create a new, state-regulated veterinary office in Colorado to address shortages of veterinary care, particularly in rural areas, was too close as votes were still being counted late Tuesday night.

Proposition 129 would establish the position of Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) and define its educational requirements. A simple majority is required for adoption. The count remained too close to call on Tuesday evening, with 64% of votes counted separating the two parties by less than 5 percentage points.

VPAs could provide more types of care that are within their qualifications, but only under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The State Board of Veterinary Medicine would determine the precise parameters of these procedures and the level of supervision required.

While the current veterinary technician position may perform some procedures, VPAs in the clinical setting would have greater latitude to perform routine care procedures such as spays and neuters.

Advocates pushed for the measure in response to a shortage of veterinary care nationally and in Colorado, where the U.S. Department of Agriculture identified 25 rural counties as areas experiencing supply shortages in 2021. Additionally, a Colorado State University survey of more than 700 veterinarians across the state found that 71% of respondents had to redirect their clients at least once a week because they were unable to provide care.

Proponents of the measure said a new position with lower tuition than required for a veterinary degree could ultimately improve access to health care and reduce consumer costs. And by relieving veterinarians of some routine procedures, they could focus on more complex problems.

Candidates for the VPA position must be at least 18 years old, possess a master’s degree in clinical veterinary medicine, and be state registered. The CSU veterinary school has been working to create a master’s degree program for VPAs. Although they are not currently allowed to work in animal hospitals in Colorado, future VPAs could work in animal shelters, which also often struggle to provide veterinary care, regardless of whether the measure passes.

Opponents said a recently passed law expanding the responsibilities of veterinarians offers a better way to make care more readily available. They also argued that unqualified people could end up performing operations and endangering animals. Another argument against the proposal was that the new position was promoted for the financial benefit of colleges and would burden candidates with student debt.

The All Pets Deserve Vet Care campaign committee, backed primarily by the Dumb Friends League and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, reported about $1.2 million in contributions to support the ballot measure.

Keep Our Pets Safe worked to defeat the proposal and reported nearly $1 million in cash and in-kind donations from the American Veterinary Medical Association, which represents the veterinary profession.