We, shelter medicine club executive officers at Kansas State, are starting this petition to express our strong opposition to the proposed changes that would terminate shelter veterinarian’s licenses. This decision will have significant negative consequences for animal welfare, access to care, the well-being of shelter veterinarians, and the overall future of veterinary medicine in Kansas.

Shelter veterinarians play a crucial role in protecting both animal and public health. Allowing veterinarians to be directly employed by animal shelters is critical for maintaining accessible, high-quality care for pets. Requiring veterinarians to operate as independent contractors puts up unnecessary barriers in shelters that are already under stress. Animal shelters are resource limited, often facing staffing shortages, high caseloads, and financial constraints. Adding even more barriers makes it harder for animal shelters to employ qualified veterinarians.

If this proposal moves forward, veterinarians will lose essential benefits, health insurance, eligibility for student loan forgiveness programs, and more. Animal shelters will face significant challenges in finding veterinary support. This could result in delayed medical care, increased disease transmission, and potentially poorer outcomes for the animals. We urge you to protect their access to care by supporting the veterinarians who serve them.

No other state has implemented or is currently considering a policy such as this. This proposal is encouraging us future veterinarians to seek employment in other states. This will further worsen the existing veterinary shortage.

By signing this petition, you join us in urging the Kansas Board to recognize the importance of shelter veterinarians and vote against terminating their licenses. Please help protect the future of shelter veterinary medicine in Kansas.