Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay 

April 22, 2025 - SACRAMENTO –  On Monday, the California Senate Business, Professions & Economic Committee 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. It would expand opportunities for animals to get health services across the state of California. The bill now moves forward to the Senate Appropriations Committee

“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.” 

“We are so grateful for the efforts and leadership of Senator Cortese authoring this critical bill, which will increase basic healthcare for tens of thousands of California pets every year,” said SF SPCA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, DVM. “Because of the severe shortfall of veterinarians in the state, many pets have not been receiving the care and resources they need. By allowing veterinarians and their teams to maximize resources, we can open up new pathways to treat vulnerable animals most in need of care.”

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.
Source: Senator Dave Cortese