In veterinary medicine we are facing a huge crisis- disproportionate number of pets to vets. Since the global pandemic, we have noticed a huge increase in pets. With the number of vets decreased in comparison, this has resulted in the possibility for decreased coverage of Vet care.

When searching for reasons why the numbers of veterinarians have not increased, you have to first take a look at some statistics. Generally speaking, veterinary medicine is one of the lowest paid medical disciplines despite the huge rise in cost of Vet care and veterinary education. Some veterinarians are still only getting paid between $50,000 - 80,0000 a year. In addition, veterinarian medicine also has one of the highest suicide rates across all medical disciplines.

Next you take into consideration Veterinarian technicians, both Licensed/Registered and on the job trained. They are veterinarians trusted extensions. They support veterinarians by providing additional educational support, general nurse duties, extended patient care, and surgical support. There is no veterinary medicine without them. With this understanding, even they are underpaid and underutilized. Majority of veterinary paraprofessionals are non-Licensed/Registered. Most only get paid between $10.00-17/hr. While the licensed/registered technicians are paid between $17-28/hr on average. 

Can you imagine someone who is skilled in surgical anesthesia monitoring, phlebotomy, general practice care (vaccines, and parasite prevention), emergency and trauma triage and stabilization only being paid only $18.00/hr? 

Now, can you imagine having the same nurse who was previously only paid less than $20/hr to give your pet an influenza vaccine, is now able to perform general surgery. Such as performing a limb amputation or an ovariohysterectomy (spay), for a base salary of $100,000?

This is the exactly what some organizations are proposing. This premature advancement of a veterinary mid-level practitioner does not have the pets', technicians', or vets' best interest in mind. 

This petition opposes the premature creation of a veterinary professional associate also known as a mid-level practitioner. We all understand and welcome the idea for this becoming a reality of the future but not without first properly supporting the veterinary paraprofessionals that are currently working in the field. 

Instead, we propose the national recognition and requirement of licensing for technicians (LVTs/ RVTs) in all states. In addition, we propose the creation of subspecialties to be available in all states, nation wide with appropriate guidelines for what tasks they are allowed to perform.

Next we also propose a certification program that is available nationwide for Veterinary assistants. These steps will not only increase their value but will lead the the much needed increased pay and overall increase in quality of life for these paraprofessionals.

Please consider the livelihood of the veterinary nurses currently not receiving proper compensation for all the work they do.