SB 602: Veterinarians: veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2025-10-10
Current Status:
Passed
(2025-10-10: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 589, Statutes of 2025.)
Introduced
In Committee
Awaiting First Chamber Vote
Passed First Chamber
In Committee
Awaiting Second Chamber Vote
Passed Second Chamber
Enacted
What does this bill do?
This bill allows registered veterinary technicians at public animal control agencies, private shelters, humane society shelters, and SPCAs to establish the formal vet–client–animal relationship and give preventive vaccines and parasite medicines when the supervising veterinarian is nearby or reachable by phone instead of being physically on site. Technicians must follow written protocols, have emergency equipment and drugs available, get client authorization, and both the vet and technician must sign and keep treatment records.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Existing law, the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, establishes the California Veterinary Medical Board within the Department of Consumer Affairs for the licensure and regulation of veterinarians and the practice of veterinary medicine and makes a violation of the act a crime. Existing law authorizes a veterinarian to allow a registered veterinary technician to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites by satisfying specified conditions, including, among other things, imposing different requirements relating to the proximity of the veterinarian depending upon where the registered veterinarian technician is administering the vaccine or medication. Specifically, existing law requires either that the veterinarian is physically present at the premises when the registered veterinary technician is working at a registered veterinary premises, or, if working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, that the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available.
This bill would revise the above-described condition to authorize a registered veterinary technician to administer the vaccine or medication in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available.
Because a violation of the bills provisions would be a crime under the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Existing law, the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, establishes the California Veterinary Medical Board within the Department of Consumer Affairs for the licensure and regulation of veterinarians and the practice of veterinary medicine and makes a violation of the act a crime. Existing law authorizes a veterinarian to allow a registered veterinary technician to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites by satisfying specified conditions, including, among other things, imposing different requirements relating to the proximity of the veterinarian depending upon where the registered veterinarian technician is administering the vaccine or medication. Specifically, existing law requires either that the veterinarian is physically present at the premises when the registered veterinary technician is working at a registered veterinary premises, or, if working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, that the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available.
This bill would revise the above-described condition to authorize a registered veterinary technician to administer the vaccine or medication in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available.
Because a violation of the bills provisions would be a crime under the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Existing law, the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, establishes the California Veterinary Medical Board within the Department of Consumer Affairs for the licensure and regulation of veterinarians and the practice of veterinary medicine and makes a violation of the act a crime. Existing law authorizes a veterinarian to allow a registered veterinary technician to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites by satisfying specified conditions, including, among other things, imposing different requirements relating to the proximity of the veterinarian depending upon where the registered veterinarian technician is administering the vaccine or medication. Specifically, existing law requires either that the veterinarian is physically present at the premises when the registered veterinary technician is working at a registered veterinary premises, or, if working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, that the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available.
This bill would revise the above-described condition to authorize a registered veterinary technician to administer the vaccine or medication in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available.
Because a violation of the bills provisions would be a crime under the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Existing law, the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, establishes the California Veterinary Medical Board within the Department of Consumer Affairs for the licensure and regulation of veterinarians and the practice of veterinary medicine and makes a violation of the act a crime. Existing law authorizes a veterinarian to allow a registered veterinary technician to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites by satisfying specified conditions, including, among other things, imposing different requirements relating to the proximity of the veterinarian depending upon where the registered veterinarian technician is administering the vaccine or medication. Specifically, existing law requires either that the veterinarian is physically present at the premises when the registered veterinary technician is working at a registered veterinary premises, or, if working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, that the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available.
This bill would revise the above-described condition to authorize a registered veterinary technician to administer the vaccine or medication in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available.
Because a violation of the bills provisions would be a crime under the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
(a)For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)Private animal shelter means a not-for-profit organization that has tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, whose purpose and practice is, in whole or significant part, the care of animals and placement of animals into permanent homes through adoption.
(2)Veterinarian means a California licensed veterinarian.
(b)A veterinarian may authorize a registered veterinary technician to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites if all of the following conditions are met:
(1)Except as provided in paragraph (2), the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in a registered veterinary premises when the veterinarian is physically present at the registered veterinary premises.
(2)If working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, or in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available. At this location, the registered veterinary technician shall have equipment and drugs necessary to provide immediate emergency care at a level commensurate with the provision of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.
(3)The registered veterinary technician examines the animal patient and administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in accordance with written protocols and procedures established by the veterinarian, which shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:
(A)Obtaining the animal patients history from the client in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.
(B)Data that must be collected by physical examination of the animal patient in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.
(C)Information in the patient history or physical examination results that would preclude the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.
(D)Criteria that would disqualify the animal patient from receiving the preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.
(E)Vaccination protocols for each animal species for which preventive or prophylactic vaccines are administered, that include, at a minimum, handling and administration of vaccines in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.
(F)Preventative procedures for parasite control for each animal species for which medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites are being administered, which shall include, at a minimum, handling and administration of medications in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.
(G)Documentation of all of the following animal patient information:
(i)Name or initials of the person responsible for entries.
(ii)Name, address, and phone number of the client.
(iii)Name or identity of the animal, herd, or flock.
(iv)Except for herds or flocks, age, sex, breed, species, and color of the animal.
(v)Beginning and ending dates of custody of the animal, if applicable.
(vi)A history or pertinent information as it pertains to each animals, herds, or flocks medical status.
(vii)Data, including that obtained by instrumentation, from the physical examination.
(viii)Treatment and intended treatment plan, including medications, dosages, route of administration, and frequency of use.
(ix)Diagnosis or assessment before performing a treatment or procedure.
(x)If relevant, a prognosis of the animals condition.
(xi)All medications and treatments prescribed and dispensed, including strength, dosage, route of administration, quantity, and frequency of use.
(4)The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing an assumption of risk by the veterinarian for all acts of the registered veterinary technician related to examining the animal patient and administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites, short of willful acts of animal cruelty, gross negligence, or gross unprofessional conduct on behalf of the registered veterinary technician.
(5)The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian only to establish the veterinarian-client-patient relationship for purposes of administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when acting in compliance with the protocols and procedures specified in paragraph (3), and only until the date the veterinarian terminates authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian.
(6)(A)Before the registered veterinary technician examines or administers any preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites to the animal patient, the registered veterinary technician informs the client verbally or in writing that the registered veterinary technician is acting as an agent of the veterinarian for purposes of administering to the animal patient preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications, as applicable, and provides the veterinarians name and license number to the client.
(B)After providing the disclosure specified in subparagraph (A), the registered veterinary technician records in the animal patients medical record the verbal or written authorization of the client to proceed with the registered veterinary technicians examination of the animal patient and administration of the specified vaccine or medication.
(c)(1)Documentation relating to satisfaction of the requirements of paragraphs (4) and (5) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for the duration of the registered veterinary technicians work as an agent of that veterinarian and until three years from the date of the termination of the veterinarians relationship with the registered veterinary technician.
(2)Documentation relating to satisfaction of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for a minimum of three years after the animal patients last visit.
SEC. 2.No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
(a)For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)Private animal shelter means a not-for-profit organization that has tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, whose purpose and practice is, in whole or significant part, the care of animals and placement of animals into permanent homes through adoption.
(2)Veterinarian means a California licensed veterinarian.
(b)A veterinarian may authorize a registered veterinary technician to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites if all of the following conditions are met:
(1)Except as provided in paragraph (2), the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in a registered veterinary premises when the veterinarian is physically present at the registered veterinary premises.
(2)If working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, or in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available. At this location, the registered veterinary technician shall have equipment and drugs necessary to provide immediate emergency care at a level commensurate with the provision of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.
(3)The registered veterinary technician examines the animal patient and administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in accordance with written protocols and procedures established by the veterinarian, which shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:
(A)Obtaining the animal patients history from the client in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.
(B)Data that must be collected by physical examination of the animal patient in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.
(C)Information in the patient history or physical examination results that would preclude the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.
(D)Criteria that would disqualify the animal patient from receiving the preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.
(E)Vaccination protocols for each animal species for which preventive or prophylactic vaccines are administered, that include, at a minimum, handling and administration of vaccines in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.
(F)Preventative procedures for parasite control for each animal species for which medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites are being administered, which shall include, at a minimum, handling and administration of medications in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.
(G)Documentation of all of the following animal patient information:
(i)Name or initials of the person responsible for entries.
(ii)Name, address, and phone number of the client.
(iii)Name or identity of the animal, herd, or flock.
(iv)Except for herds or flocks, age, sex, breed, species, and color of the animal.
(v)Beginning and ending dates of custody of the animal, if applicable.
(vi)A history or pertinent information as it pertains to each animals, herds, or flocks medical status.
(vii)Data, including that obtained by instrumentation, from the physical examination.
(viii)Treatment and intended treatment plan, including medications, dosages, route of administration, and frequency of use.
(ix)Diagnosis or assessment before performing a treatment or procedure.
(x)If relevant, a prognosis of the animals condition.
(xi)All medications and treatments prescribed and dispensed, including strength, dosage, route of administration, quantity, and frequency of use.
(4)The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing an assumption of risk by the veterinarian for all acts of the registered veterinary technician related to examining the animal patient and administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites, short of willful acts of animal cruelty, gross negligence, or gross unprofessional conduct on behalf of the registered veterinary technician.
(5)The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian only to establish the veterinarian-client-patient relationship for purposes of administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when acting in compliance with the protocols and procedures specified in paragraph (3), and only until the date the veterinarian terminates authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian.
(6)(A)Before the registered veterinary technician examines or administers any preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites to the animal patient, the registered veterinary technician informs the client verbally or in writing that the registered veterinary technician is acting as an agent of the veterinarian for purposes of administering to the animal patient preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications, as applicable, and provides the veterinarians name and license number to the client.
(B)After providing the disclosure specified in subparagraph (A), the registered veterinary technician records in the animal patients medical record the verbal or written authorization of the client to proceed with the registered veterinary technicians examination of the animal patient and administration of the specified vaccine or medication.
(c)(1)Documentation relating to satisfaction of the requirements of paragraphs (4) and (5) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for the duration of the registered veterinary technicians work as an agent of that veterinarian and until three years from the date of the termination of the veterinarians relationship with the registered veterinary technician.
(2)Documentation relating to satisfaction of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for a minimum of three years after the animal patients last visit.
SEC. 2.No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
(a)For purposes of this section, veterinarian the following definitions apply:
(1)Private animal shelter means a not-for-profit organization that has tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, whose purpose and practice is, in whole or significant part, the care of animals and placement of animals into permanent homes through adoption.
(2)Veterinarian means a California licensed veterinarian.
(b)A veterinarian may authorize a registered veterinary technician to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites if all of the following conditions are met:
(1)Except as provided in paragraph (2), the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in a registered veterinary premises when the veterinarian is physically present at the registered veterinary premises.
(2)If working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, or in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available. At this location, the registered veterinary technician shall have equipment and drugs necessary to provide immediate emergency care at a level commensurate with the provision of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.
(3)The registered veterinary technician examines the animal patient and administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in accordance with written protocols and procedures established by the veterinarian, which shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:
(A)Obtaining the animal patients history from the client in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.
(B)Data that must be collected by physical examination of the animal patient in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.
(C)Information in the patient history or physical examination results that would preclude the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.
(D)Criteria that would disqualify the animal patient from receiving the preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.
(E)Vaccination protocols for each animal species for which preventive or prophylactic vaccines are administered, that include, at a minimum, handling and administration of vaccines in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.
(F)Preventative procedures for parasite control for each animal species for which medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites are being administered, which shall include, at a minimum, handling and administration of medications in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.
(G)Documentation of all of the following animal patient information:
(i)Name or initials of the person responsible for entries.
(ii)Name, address, and phone number of the client.
(iii)Name or identity of the animal, herd, or flock.
(iv)Except for herds or flocks, age, sex, breed, species, and color of the animal.
(v)Beginning and ending dates of custody of the animal, if applicable.
(vi)A history or pertinent information as it pertains to each animal, herd, animals, herds, or flocks medical status.
(vii)Data, including that obtained by instrumentation, from the physical examination.
(viii)Treatment and intended treatment plan, including medications, dosages, route of administration, and frequency of use.
(ix)Diagnosis or assessment before performing a treatment or procedure.
(x)If relevant, a prognosis of the animals condition.
(xi)All medications and treatments prescribed and dispensed, including strength, dosage, route of administration, quantity, and frequency of use.
(4)The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing an assumption of risk by the veterinarian for all acts of the registered veterinary technician related to examining the animal patient and administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasite, parasites, short of willful acts of animal cruelty, gross negligence, or gross unprofessional conduct on behalf of the registered veterinary technician.
(5)The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian only to establish the veterinarian-client-patient relationship for purposes of administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when acting in compliance with the protocols and procedures specified in paragraph (3), and only until the date the veterinarian terminates authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian.
(6)(A)Before the registered veterinary technician examines or administers any preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites to the animal patient, the registered veterinary technician informs the client verbally or in writing that the registered veterinary technician is acting as an agent of the veterinarian for purposes of administering to the animal patient preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications, as applicable, and provides the veterinarians name and license number to the client.
(B)After providing the disclosure specified in subparagraph (A), the registered veterinary technician records in the animal patients medical record the verbal or written authorization of the client to proceed with the registered veterinary technicians examination of the animal patient and administration of the specified vaccine or medication.
(c)(1)Documentation relating to satisfaction of the requirements of paragraphs (4) and (5) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for the duration of the registered veterinary technicians work as an agent of that veterinarian and until three years from the date of the termination of the veterinarians relationship with the registered veterinary technician.
(2)Documentation relating to satisfaction of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for a minimum of three years after the animal patients last visit.
SEC. 2.No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
(a)For purposes of this section, veterinarian means a California licensed veterinarian.
(b)A veterinarian may authorize a registered veterinary technician to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites if all of the following conditions are met:
(1)The Except as provided in paragraph (2), the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in a registered veterinary premises when the veterinarian is physically present at the registered veterinary premises.
(2)If working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, or in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available. At this location, the registered veterinary technician shall have equipment and drugs necessary to provide immediate emergency care at a level commensurate with the provision of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.
(3)The registered veterinary technician examines the animal patient and administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in accordance with written protocols and procedures established by the veterinarian, which shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:
(A)Obtaining the animal patients history from the client in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.
(B)Data that must be collected by physical examination of the animal patient in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.
(C)Information in the patient history or physical examination results that would preclude the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.
(D)Criteria that would disqualify the animal patient from receiving the preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.
(E)Vaccination protocols for each animal species for which preventive or prophylactic vaccines are administered, that include, at a minimum, handling and administration of vaccines in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.
(F)Preventative procedures for parasite control for each animal species for which medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites are being administered, which shall include, at a minimum, handling and administration of medications in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.
(G)Documentation of all of the following animal patient information:
(i)Name or initials of the person responsible for entries.
(ii)Name, address, and phone number of the client.
(iii)Name or identity of the animal, herd, or flock.
(iv)Except for herds or flocks, age, sex, breed, species, and color of the animal.
(v)Beginning and ending dates of custody of the animal, if applicable.
(vi)A history or pertinent information as it pertains to each animal, herd, or flocks medical status.
(vii)Data, including that obtained by instrumentation, from the physical examination.
(viii)Treatment and intended treatment plan, including medications, dosages, route of administration, and frequency of use.
(ix)Diagnosis or assessment before performing a treatment or procedure.
(x)If relevant, a prognosis of the animals condition.
(xi)All medications and treatments prescribed and dispensed, including strength, dosage, route of administration, quantity, and frequency of use.
(4)The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing an assumption of risk by the veterinarian for all acts of the registered veterinary technician related to examining the animal patient and administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasite, short of willful acts of animal cruelty, gross negligence, or gross unprofessional conduct on behalf of the registered veterinary technician.
(5)The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian only to establish the veterinarian-client-patient relationship for purposes of administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when acting in compliance with the protocols and procedures specified in paragraph (3), and only until the date the veterinarian terminates authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian.
(6)(A)Before the registered veterinary technician examines or administers any preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites to the animal patient, the registered veterinary technician informs the client verbally or in writing that the registered veterinary technician is acting as an agent of the veterinarian for purposes of administering to the animal patient preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications, as applicable, and provides the veterinarians name and license number to the client.
(B)After providing the disclosure specified in subparagraph (A), the registered veterinary technician records in the animal patients medical record the verbal or written authorization of the client to proceed with the registered veterinary technicians examination of the animal patient and administration of the specified vaccine or medication.
(c)(1)Documentation relating to satisfaction of the requirements of paragraphs (4) and (5) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for the duration of the registered veterinary technicians work as an agent of that veterinarian and until three years from the date of the termination of the veterinarians relationship with the registered veterinary technician.
(2)Documentation relating to satisfaction of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for a minimum of three years after the animal patients last visit.
SEC. 2.No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
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Date
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Status
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| Oct 10, 2025 | Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 589, Statutes of 2025. |
| Oct 10, 2025 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Sep 2, 2025 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 11 a.m. |
| Aug 25, 2025 | Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 37. Noes 0. Page 2253.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling. |
| Aug 21, 2025 | Ordered to special consent calendar. |
| Jul 17, 2025 | In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending. |
| Jul 17, 2025 | Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 75. Noes 0. Page 2595.) Ordered to the Senate. |
| Jul 10, 2025 | Read second time. Ordered to consent calendar. |
| Jul 9, 2025 | From committee: Do pass. Ordered to consent calendar. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (July 9). |
| Jun 24, 2025 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 16. Noes 0.) (June 24). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jun 18, 2025 | From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on B. & P. |
| May 19, 2025 | Referred to Com. on B. & P. |
| May 8, 2025 | In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk. |
| May 8, 2025 | Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 36. Noes 0. Page 1051.) Ordered to the Assembly. |
| May 6, 2025 | Read second time. Ordered to consent calendar. |
| May 5, 2025 | From committee: Be ordered to second reading pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8 and ordered to consent calendar. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Set for hearing May 5. |
| Apr 21, 2025 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 11. Noes 0. Page 809.) (April 21). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Mar 18, 2025 | Set for hearing April 21. |
| Mar 5, 2025 | Referred to Com. on B. P. & E.D. |
| Feb 21, 2025 | From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 23. |
| Feb 20, 2025 | Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 25, 2025 | Special Consent SB602 Cortese | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Jul 17, 2025 | SB 602 Cortese Consent Calendar Second Day Regular Session | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Jul 9, 2025 | Do pass. To Consent Calendar. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Jun 24, 2025 | Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Assembly Standing Committee on Business and Professions |
Passed |
|
| May 8, 2025 | Consent Calendar 2nd SB602 Cortese | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 21, 2025 | Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Senate Standing Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Act 2 Rescue | ** Support | |
| Best Friends | ** Support | |
| Best Friends Animal Society | ** Support | |
| CalAnimals | ** Support | |
| California Animal Welfare Association | ** Support | |
| California Veterinary Medical Association | ** Support | |
| California Veterinary Medical Association (co-source) | ** Support | |
| Council Member Caity Maple, Chair, Law and Legislation Committee, City of | ** Support | |
| Council Member Caity Maple, Chair, Law and Legislation Committee, City of Sacramento | ** Support | |
| County Health Executives Association Of California | ** Support | |
| County of San Diego Animal Services | ** Support | |
| Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County | ** Support | |
| Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter | ** Support | |
| Humane Society of Imperial County | ** Support | |
| Humane World for Animals | ** Support | |
| Inland Valley Humane Society and SPCA | ** Support | |
| Joy Bound People and Pets | ** Support | |
| Marin Humane | ** Support | |
| Michelson Center For Public Policy | ** Support | |
| Napa County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center | ** Support | |
| Nine Lives | ** Support | |
| NorCal Boxer Rescue | ** Support | |
| NorCal GSP Rescue | ** Support | |
| Palo Alto Humane | ** Support | |
| Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA | ** Support | |
| Pets in Need | ** Support | |
| Sacramento | ** Support | |
| San Diego Humane Society | ** Support | |
| San Diego Humane Society (co-source) | ** Support | |
| San Francisco Spca | ** Support | |
| San Francisco SPCA (co-source) | ** Support | |
| San Gabriel Valley Humane Society | ** Support | |
| Santa Barbara Humane | ** Support | |
| santa cruz county animal shelter | ** Support | |
| Social Compassion In Legislation | ** Support | |
| The Dancing Cat | ** Support | |
| Town of Apple Valley Animal Services | ** Support | |
| Valley Humane Society | ** Support | |
| Woody Feral Cat Support Group | ** Support |
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | SB 602 |
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Bill No: SB 602
Author: Cortese (D)
Amended: 6/18/25 in Assembly
Vote: 21
SENATE BUS., PROF. & ECON. DEV. COMMITTEE: 11-0, 4/21/25
AYES: Ashby, Choi, Archuleta, Arreguín, Grayson, Niello, Richardson, Smallwood-Cuevas, Strickland, Umberg, Weber Pierson
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8
SENATE FLOOR: 36-0, 5/8/25 (Consent)
AYES: Allen, Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Arreguín, Ashby, Becker, Blakespear, Cabaldon, Caballero, Cervantes, Choi, Cortese, Dahle, Durazo, Gonzalez, Grayson, Grove, Jones, Laird, Limón, McGuire, McNerney, Menjivar, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Padilla, Pérez, Richardson, Seyarto, Smallwood-Cuevas, Stern, Strickland, Umberg, Wahab, Weber Pierson, Wiener
NO VOTE RECORDED: Hurtado, Reyes, Rubio, Valladares
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 75-0, 7/17/25 (Consent) - See last page for vote
SUBJECT: Veterinarians: veterinarian-client-patient relationship
SOURCE: San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
California Veterinary Medical Association
San Diego Humane Society
DIGEST:
This bill clarifies that a registered veterinary technician (RVT) may act as an agent of a veterinarian for purposes of establishing the veterinarian client patient relationship (VCPR) in a registered veterinary premise that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animal shelter.
Assembly Amendments
Add a definition of “private animal shelter”.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Establishes the Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) under the Department of Consumer Affairs, to license and regulate veterinarians and RVTs, issue premises permits for veterinary hospitals and veterinary assistant controlled substances permits. (Business & Professions Code (BPC) § 4800 et seq.)
- Prohibits a veterinarian from prescribing, dispensing, or administering a drug, medicine, application, or treatment of whatever nature for the prevention, cure, or relief of a wound, fracture, bodily injury, or disease of animals unless a VCPR exists, except when it is a wild animal or the owner of the animal patient is unknown. (BPC § 4826.6)
- States that a VCPR exists if the client authorizes the veterinarian to assume responsibility for medical judgments regarding the health of the animal patient, the veterinarian possesses sufficient knowledge of the animal patient to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the animal patient’s medical condition, and the veterinarian has assumed responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal patient and has communicated with the client a medical, treatment, diagnostic, or therapeutic plan appropriate to the circumstances. (BPC § 4826.6)
- Allows a veterinarian to authorize a RVT to act as an agent of the veterinarian for purposes of establishing the VCPR to administer preventative or prophylactic vaccines or medications, as specified, if all of the following conditions are met:
- The RVT administers those vaccines or medications in a registered veterinary premise when the veterinarian is physically present.
- When working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, the RVT administers the vaccines or medications when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available and the RVT has equipment and drugs necessary to provide immediate emergency care at a level commensurate with the provision of the vaccines or medications and the RVT examines the animal patient and administers the vaccines or medications in accordance with written protocols and procedures.
- The RVT examines the animal patient and administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications in accordance with written protocols and procedures established by the veterinarian, as specified. (BPC § 4826.7(b))
- Requires the VMB to adopt regulations establishing animal health care tasks and an appropriate degree of supervision required for those tasks that may be performed only by a RVT or veterinarian. (BPC § 4836(a))
This bill:
- Revises the authority for a RVT to administer a specified vaccine or medication in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available, as specified.
- Defines “private animal shelter” for purposes of this bill to mean a not-for-profit organization that has tax-exempt status under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, whose purpose and practice is, in whole or significant part, the care of animals and placement of animals into permanent homes through adoption.
- Makes other minor and technical amendments.
Background
Veterinary Medicine. The practice of veterinary medicine is specified in statute (BPC § 4826) and includes actions such as diagnosing or prescribing a drug, medicine, appliance, application, treatment of whatever nature, for the cure or relief of a wound, fracture, bodily injury or disease of animals (including those actions of an RVT or a veterinary assistant under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian). Further, the law requires that any place where veterinary medicine, dentistry, or surgery is practiced, to obtain a premises permit from the VMB.
RVTs. RVTs are an essential part of the veterinary workforce, performing critical support tasks from drawing blood and running laboratory tests to operating radiographic equipment and administering medication. Under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, an RVT is also able to suture skin, extract teeth, apply casts, or administer anesthesia. RVTs must register with the VMB to be authorized to provide those services within their standard of care.
Veterinary Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). A major component of veterinary practice is the VCPR. The VCPR ensures that an animal has an established relationship with a veterinarian prior to receiving treatment from the veterinarian. The majority of states require a VCPR prior to treating an animal and most states require the VCPR to be established in person. The VCPR is an integral part of veterinary medicine and is intended to provide assurances that the client has authorized the veterinarian to assume responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal.
In 2023, SB 669 (Cortese, Chapter 882, Statutes of 2023) authorized a RVT to establish the VCPR while acting as the agent of a veterinarian only to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites (such as flea medications and vaccinations) if a number of conditions are met. The RVT and veterinarian must have written protocols and procedures. The RVT is required to collect data about the animal patient including the treatment, treatment plan, the diagnosis and assessment before or after, medications and treatment provided, among other requirements. The RVT and veterinarian must sign a statement authorizing the RVT to act as the veterinarian’s agent and that the veterinarian will assume risk for the RVT’s activities, and the documentation must be retained for all administrations.
This bill provides an update to the parameters of SB 669. This bill will authorize an RVT to administer preventive vaccines or medications in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available. Concerns arise that often times, many of these shelters find it difficult to have a veterinarian on location at all times to care for the animals as necessary, given the variations in animal care needs. This bill will help to ensure that animals in public and private shelters are able to quickly receive vital preventive vaccinations and medications consistent with the current standard of care requirements.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: Yes
According to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations, this bill will not result in costs to VMB.
SUPPORT: (Verified 8/13/25)
California Veterinary Medical Association (co-source)
San Francisco SPCA (co-source)
San Diego Humane Society (co-source)
Act 2 Rescue
Best Friends
CalAnimals
Council Member Caity Maple, Chair, Law and Legislation Committee, City of
Sacramento
County Health Executives Association of California
Social Compassion in Legislation
County of San Diego Animal Services
Forgotten Feline of Sonoma County
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter
Humane Society of Imperial Country
Humane World for Animals
Inland Valley Humane Society and SPCA
Joybound People and Pets
Marin Humane
Michelson Center for Public Policy
Napa County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center
Nine Lives
NorCal Boxer Rescue
NorCal GSP Rescue
Palo Alto Humane
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA
Pets in Need
San Gabriel Valley Humane Society
Santa Barbara Humane
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter
The Dancing Cat
Town of Apple Valley Animal Services
Valley Humane Society
Woody Feral Cat Support Group
OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/13/25)
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: Supporters note generally that this bill will help alleviate veterinary access challenges.
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 75-0, 7/17/25
AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Arambula, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Flora, Fong, Gabriel, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Celeste Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas
NO VOTE RECORDED: Alvarez, Bennett, Berman, Gallagher
Prepared by: Elissa Silva / B., P. & E.D. / 916-651-4104
8/14/25 16:22:54
**** END ****
Date of Hearing: July 9, 2025
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Buffy Wicks, Chair
SBPCA Bill Id:SB 602
Author:(Cortese) – As Amended Ver:June 18, 2025
Policy Committee: | Business and Professions | Vote: | 16 - 0 |
|
| ||
|
|
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: Yes Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill allows a veterinarian to authorize a registered veterinary technician (RVT) to administer vaccinations or parasite control medications in an animal shelter, as defined, when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available, among other conditions.
FISCAL EFFECT:
No costs to the California Veterinary Medical Board.
COMMENTS:
- Purpose. This bill is co-sponsored by the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the California Veterinary Medical Association, and the San Diego Humane Society. According to the author:
I was proud to author this bill’s predecessor, SB 669, in 2023. That crucial piece of legislation addressed the veterinary care shortage by enabling [RVTs] to perform vaccinations at remote community clinics when their veterinarian is off site...[This bill builds] on SB 669’s success by allowing RVTs to perform vaccinations in shelters without their veterinarian being on the premises. This limited expansion of RVT duties will help stop the spread of rabies and other infectious diseases and provide essential care by getting more pets vaccinated statewide.
- Background. RVTs perform tasks such as drawing blood, conducting laboratory tests, operating radiographic equipment, and administering vaccinations and medications. Under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, RVTs also assist with tasks related to surgery, such as inducing anesthesia, applying casts and splints, extracting teeth, and suturing cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues.
Vaccine Clinics and SB 669 Implementation. SB 669 (Cortese), Chapter 882, Statutes of 2023, authorized veterinarians to allow RVTs to administer preventative or prophylactic vaccines or parasite control medications under certain conditions. Before SB 669 was enacted, the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act (Act) required a veterinarian to establish and maintain a veterinarian-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) before providing care to an animal patient. To establish a VCPR, a veterinarian gains sufficient knowledge of the animal to make a diagnosis, generally through an in-person examination, and the client authorizes the veterinarian to make medical judgements, among other requirements. Although RVTs were already authorized to administer vaccines and medications, the VCPR requirement limited access to timely vaccine services in many veterinary settings. SB 669 allowed a veterinarian to authorize an RVT to establish a VCPR and administer vaccines in locations other than registered veterinary premises, if the authorizing veterinarian is quickly and easily available, including by phone.
Some organizations, including the sponsors of this bill, encountered a problem in implementing SB 669. Specifically, under SB 669, if an RVT is working in a registered veterinary premises, the Act still required the authorizing veterinarian be physically present. Because most animal shelters are also registered veterinary premises, SB 669 did not allow a shelter to offer expanded, low-cost vaccine options at its physical location without a veterinarian on site, but a mobile vaccine clinic at a different site could lawfully offer the expanded, low-cost services. The author and sponsors introduced this bill to “clean-up” SB 669 and clarify that, when working in a veterinary premises that is a public or private animal shelter, as defined, an RVT may establish a VCPR for purposes of administering vaccines without the need for their authorizing veterinarian to be physically present. - Related Legislation. AB 516 (Kalra) authorizes RVTs and veterinary assistants to perform animal health care services not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation, including on animals housed in animal shelters. AB 516 bill is pending on the Senate floor.
Analysis Prepared by: Allegra Kim / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
Date of Hearing: June 24, 2025
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS
Marc Berman, Chair
SBPCA Bill Id:SB 602
Author:(Cortese) – As Amended Ver:June 18, 2025
SENATE VOTE: 36-0
SUBJECT: Veterinarians: veterinarian-client-patient relationship
SUMMARY: Authorizes registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) to establish a veterinarian-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) in certain animal shelter settings, as defined, for purposes of administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications, without their supervising veterinarian physically present.
EXISTING LAW:
- Provides for the regulation of veterinary medicine under the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act (Act) and prohibits the practice of unlicensed veterinary medicine. (Business and Professions Code (BPC) §§ 4800-4917)
- Establishes the Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) within the Department of Consumer Affairs to license and regulate the veterinary medicine profession. (BPC § 4800)
- Declares it is unlawful to practice veterinary medicine in California unless the individual holds a valid, unexpired, and unrevoked license issued by the VMB. (BPC § 4825)
- Permits a veterinarian to authorize an RVT to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the VCPR to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites, subject to certain conditions, including:
- Vaccines must be administered in a registered veterinary premises at which the veterinarian is physically present.
- If working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available. The RVT shall have necessary equipment and drugs to provide immediate emergency care.
- The RVT examines the animal patient and administers vaccines in accordance with written protocols and procedures established by the veterinarian.
- The veterinarian and RVT sign and date a statement containing an assumption of risk by the veterinarian for all acts of the RVT related to patient examination and administration of vaccines, short of willful acts of animal cruelty, gross negligence, or gross unprofessional conduct on behalf of the RVT.
- The veterinarian and RVT sign and date a statement containing authorization for the RVT to act as an agent of the veterinarian until such date as the veterinarian terminates authorization.
- Before the RVT examines or administers vaccines to the animal patient, the RVT informs the client orally or in writing that they are acting as an agent of the veterinarian.
- Signed statements between the veterinarian and RVT must be retained by the veterinarian for the duration of the RVT’s work as an authorized agent and until three years from the date of termination of their relationship with the veterinarian.
- (BPC § 4826.7(b))
- Requires the VMB to adopt regulations delineating animal health care tasks and an appropriate degree of supervision required for those tasks that may be performed solely by an RVT or licensed veterinarian. (BPC § 4836(a))
- Permits the VMB to additionally adopt regulations establishing animal health care tasks that may be performed by a veterinary assistant, an RVT or a licensed veterinarian. (BPC § 4836(b))
- Requires the VMB to establish an appropriate degree of supervision by an RVT or a licensed veterinarian over a veterinary assistant for any authorized tasks and provides that the degree of supervision for any of those tasks shall be higher than, or equal to, the degree of supervision required when an RVT performs the task. (BPC § 4836(b))
- Prohibits an individual from using the title “RVT,” “veterinary technician,” or using the initials “RVT” without meeting the requirements of an RVT. (BPC § 4839.5)
THIS BILL:
- Defines “private animal shelter”, for purposes of the bill, as “a not-for-profit organization that has tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, whose purpose and practice is, in whole or significant part, the care of animals and placement of animals into permanent homes through adoption.”
- Authorizes an RVT to act as an agent of their supervising veterinarian to establish a VCPR to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications, without the need for the veterinarian to be physically present, in a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, so long as the supervising veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available.
FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, no significant state costs anticipated.
COMMENTS:
Purpose. This bill is co-sponsored by the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SPCA), the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), and the San Diego Humane Society (SDHS). According to the author:
I was proud to author this bill’s predecessor, SB 669, in 2023. That crucial piece of legislation addressed the veterinary care shortage by enabling registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) to perform vaccinations at remote community clinics when their veterinarian is off site. After hearing about that bill’s success and the possibility of helping more animals, I was eager to author this legislation. SB 602 would build on SB 669’s success by allowing RVTs to perform vaccinations in shelters without their veterinarian being on the premises. This limited expansion of RVT duties will help stop the spread of rabies and other infectious diseases and provide essential care by getting more pets vaccinated statewide. It’s a win-win for public health and keeping our animals healthy.
Background.
Veterinarians and RVTs. Veterinarians (Doctors of Veterinary Medicine, or “DVM”s) and registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) each play a distinct, vital role in an animal hospital or veterinary clinic, one not dissimilar to the relationship between a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and a registered nurse (RN) in an emergency room or medical clinic. In order to practice veterinary medicine and provide healthcare to a variety of animals, veterinarians must secure a license through the VMB. A licensed California veterinarian is authorized to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine, surgery, veterinary dentistry, and related health procedures for the benefit of an animal’s general health and wellbeing. Veterinarians are trained and licensed to diagnose, prescribe medication and provide treatment for the animal’s health and improvement to the animal’s quality of life. Veterinarians are extensively trained, satisfied academic requirements, and provide health care for various animals. Veterinarians receive specific healthcare training as it applies to animals and understanding the nature for the prevention, cure, or relief of a wound, fracture, bodily injury, or disease of animals. In order to practice veterinary medicine in California, an applicant must graduate from a degree program offered by an accredited postsecondary institution or institutions approved by the VMB, pass a national veterinarian examination, and pass an examination provided by the VMB to test the knowledge of the laws and regulations related to the practice of veterinary medicine in California.
RVTs serve a crucial role in the veterinary workforce by providing vital supportive health-related tasks. These health tasks involve drawing blood and conducting laboratory tests, operating radiographic equipment, administering medication, as well as countless other health related procedures. In the surgical process, the RVT is typically responsible for pre- and post-operation tasks under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, such as the induction of anesthesia, creation a relief hole in the skin to facilitate placement of an intravascular catheter, application casts and splints, performance of dental extractions, suturing of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues, and more. The VMB’s regulations have also stipulated that an RVT may perform a variety of procedures under indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian. These procedures include the act of administering controlled substances and performing certain routine animal health care tasks.
Veterinarian-Client-Patient-Relationship. The Veterinary Medicine Practice Act requires a veterinarian to establish and maintain a veterinarian-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) before providing care to an animal patient. Among other requirements, this relationship is established when the client has authorized the veterinarian to make medical judgements, and when the veterinarian has gained sufficient knowledge of the animal to make a diagnosis, generally through an in-person examination. According to the VMB’s regulations relating to establishing a VCPR, it is unprofessional conduct for a veterinarian to administer, prescribe, dispense or furnish a drug, medicine, appliance, or treatment of whatever nature for the prevention, cure, or relief of a wound, fracture or bodily injury or disease of an animal without having first established a VCPR with the animal patient or patients and the client, with an exception if the patient is a wild animal or the animal’s owner is unknown.
Vaccine Clinics and SB 669 Implementation. SB 669 (Cortese, Chapter 882, Statutes of 2023) authorized veterinarians in California to permit RVTs to act as their agent for purposes of establishing a VCPR to administer preventative or prophylactic vaccines or medications, subject to certain conditions. Since a VCPR must be established with a patient before any care can be rendered, including administering vaccines, the previous standard that only allowed veterinarians to establish VCPRs limited access to timely vaccine services in many veterinary settings, particularly since RVTs were already authorized to administer vaccines and medications—just not able to establish the VCPR necessary to do so. This legislation, sponsored by the ASPCA and supported by a wide coalition of animal welfare organizations and the CVMA, was intended to bridge the gap between California’s veterinary workforce shortage and increasing public demand for affordable services such as vaccinations. Additionally, this legislation clarified that RVTs can establish VCPRs and administer vaccines even in locations other than registered veterinary premises, so long as their authorizing veterinarian is quickly and easily available (even if available by phone).
SB 669 increased the options and workforce available for low-cost “vaccine clinics” – initiatives or “pop up” services that are often provided by nonprofit organizations, like ASPCA, and are intended to offer free or low-cost vaccinations to the public. Since its implementation, animal welfare advocates have reported increased ease of access to vaccine services for the public and more options for running cost-effective “vaccine clinic” programs.
However, some organizations, including the sponsors of this measure, have encountered an implementation issue when attempting to carry out SB 669 permissions in certain settings. Specifically, the bill stated that if an RVT is working in a registered veterinary premises, the authorizing veterinarian must be physically present. In practice, this means that animal shelters—almost all of which are also registered veterinary premises—are not able to offer these expanded, low-cost vaccine options at their physical location (but could, for example, run a mobile vaccine clinic at a non-registered premise next door). Advocates argue this is impractical and an unintended consequence of legislation meant to increase access to low-cost vaccine options. As such, the author and sponsors have put forward this bill to “clean-up” SB 669 and clarify that, when working in a veterinary premises that is a public or private animal shelter, as defined, RVTs can establish a VCPR for purposes of administering vaccines without the need for their authorizing veterinarian to be physically present.
Current Related Legislation. AB 516 (Kalra) authorizes registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) and veterinary assistants to perform animal health care services not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation, including on animals housed in public or private animal shelters, humane societies, or societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals. This bill is pending consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
AB 1502 (Berman) extends the sunset date for the California Veterinary Medical Board (CVMB) until January 1, 2030, increases fee authority for the CVMB, recasts and revises requirements related to continuing education, and makes various other technical changes, statutory improvements, and policy reforms in response to issues raised during the CVMB’s sunset review oversight process. This bill is pending consideration in the Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development Committee.
Prior Related Legislation. SB 669 (Cortese), Chapter 882, Statutes of 2023, authorized veterinarians in California to permit RVTs to act as their agent for purposes of establishing a VCPR to administer preventative or prophylactic vaccines or medications, in certain settings and subject to certain conditions.
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT:
This bill is co-sponsored by the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SPCA), the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), and the San Diego Humane Society (SDHS). In a joint letter co-signed by several animal welfare organizations, they write: “By allowing shelters to maximize their existing workforce, SB 602 will improve public health by increasing vaccination rates, reducing disease transmission, and ensuring more pets receive timely medical care. This bill is a common-sense solution that will help alleviate veterinary access challenges, particularly for low-income pet owners and shelter animals.”
This bill is supported by Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), who write: “While this bill does not directly expand spay and neuter services, by expanding the veterinary care services that RVTs are able to perform at animal shelters there will be a “trickle down” effect – giving veterinarians more time to perform needed surgeries in addition to ensuring that shelter animals are given vaccines and wellness checks as efficiently as possible.
ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION:
There is no opposition on file.
REGISTERED SUPPORT:
California Veterinary Medical Association (Co-Sponsor)
San Francisco SPCA (Co-Sponsor)
San Diego Humane Society (Co-Sponsor)
Act 2 Rescue
Best Friends Animal Society
California Animal Welfare Association
Councilmember Caity Maple, Chair, Law and Legislation Committee, City of Sacramento
County Health Executives Association of California
County of San Diego Animal Services
Forgotten Feline of Sonoma County
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter
Humane Society of Imperial Country
Humane World for Animals
Inland Valley Humane Society and SPCA
Joybound People and Pets
Marin Humane
Michelson Center for Public Policy
Napa County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center
Nine Lives
NorCal Boxer Rescue
NorCal GSP Rescue
Palo Alto Humane
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA
Pets in Need
San Gabriel Valley Humane Society
Santa Barbara Humane
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter
Social Compassion in Legislation
The Dancing Cat
Town of Apple Valley Animal Services
Valley Humane Society
Woody Feral Cat Support Group
REGISTERED OPPOSITION:
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Edward Franco / B. & P. / (916) 319-3301
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | SB 602 |
CONSENT
Bill No: SB 602
Author: Cortese (D)
Introduced: 2/20/25
Vote: 21
SENATE BUS., PROF. & ECON. DEV. COMMITTEE: 11-0, 4/21/25
AYES: Ashby, Choi, Archuleta, Arreguín, Grayson, Niello, Richardson, Smallwood-Cuevas, Strickland, Umberg, Weber Pierson
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8
SUBJECT: Veterinarians: veterinarian-client-patient-relationship
SOURCE: California Veterinary Medical Association
San Diego Humane Society
San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
DIGEST:
This bill clarifies that a registered veterinary technician (RVT) may act as an agent of a veterinarian for purposes of establishing the veterinarian client patient relationship (VCPR) in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animal shelter.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Establishes the Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) under the Department of Consumer Affairs, to license and regulate veterinarians and RVTs, issue premises permits for veterinary hospitals and veterinary assistant controlled substances permits. (Business & Profession Code (BPC) § 4800 et seq.)
- Prohibits a veterinarian from prescribing, dispensing, or administering a drug, medicine, application, or treatment of whatever nature for the prevention, cure, or relief of a wound, fracture, bodily injury, or disease of animals unless a VCPR exists, except when it is a wild animal or the owner of the animal patient is unknown. (BPC § 4826.6)
- States that a VCPR exists if the client authorizes the veterinarian to assume responsibility for medical judgments regarding the health of the animal patient, the veterinarian possesses sufficient knowledge of the animal patient to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the animal patient’s medical condition, and the veterinarian has assumed responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal patient and has communicated with the client a medical, treatment, diagnostic, or therapeutic plan appropriate to the circumstances. (BPC § 4826.6)
- Allows a veterinarian to authorize a RVT to act as an agent of the veterinarian for purposes of establishing the VCPR to administer preventative or prophylactic vaccines or medications, as specified, if all of the following conditions are met:
- The RVT administers those vaccines or medications in a registered veterinary premises when the veterinarian is physically present.
- When working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, the RVT administers the vaccines or medications when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available and the RVT has equipment and drugs necessary to provide immediate emergency care at a level commensurate with the provision of the vaccines or medications and the RVT examines the animal patient and administers the vaccines or medications in accordance with written protocols and procedures.
- The RVT examines the animal patient and administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications in accordance with written protocols and procedures established by the veterinarian, as specified. (BPC § 4826.7(b))
- Requires the VMB to adopt regulations establishing animal health care tasks and an appropriate degree of supervision required for those tasks that may be performed only by a RVT or veterinarian. (BPC § 4836(a))
This bill revises the authority for a RVT to administer a specified vaccine or medication in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available, as specified.
Background
Veterinary Medicine. The practice of veterinary medicine is specified in statute (BPC § 4826) and includes actions such as diagnosing or prescribing a drug, medicine, appliance, application, treatment of whatever nature, for the cure or relief of a wound, fracture, bodily injury or disease of animals (including those actions of an RVT or a veterinary assistant under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian). Further, the law requires that any premises where veterinary medicine, dentistry, or surgery is being practiced must obtain a premises permit from the VMB.
RVTs. RVTs are an essential part of the veterinary workforce, performing critical support tasks from drawing blood and running laboratory tests to operating radiographic equipment and administering medication. Under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, an RVT is also able to suture skin, extract teeth, apply casts, or administer anesthesia. RVTs must register with the VMB to be authorized to provide those services within their standard of care.
VCPR. A major component of veterinary practice is the VCPR. The VCPR ensures that an animal has an established relationship with a veterinarian prior to providing treatment. The majority of states require a VCPR prior to treating an animal and most states require the VCPR be established in person. The VCPR is an integral part of veterinary medicine and is intended to provide assurances that the client has authorized the veterinarian to assume responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal, including the need for medical treatment, the veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the animal to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal, and the veterinarian has assumed responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal and has communicated with the client a course of treatment appropriate to the circumstance of the animal patient.
In 2023, SB 669 (Cortese, Chapter 882, Statutes of 2023) authorized a RVT to establish the VCPR, while acting as the agent of a veterinarian for the purpose of administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites (such as flea medications, and vaccinations for parvovirus and distemper), if a number of conditions are met. The RVT and veterinarian must have written protocols and procedures. The RVT is required to collect data about the animal patient including the treatment, treatment plan, the diagnosis and assessment before or after, medications and treatment provided, among other requirements. The RVT and veterinarian must sign a statement authorizing the RVT to act as the veterinarian’s agent and that the veterinarian will assume risk for the RVT’s activities, and the documentation needs to be created and retained for all administrations.
This bill provides an update to the parameters of SB 669, to authorize the RVT to administer the preventive vaccines or medications in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available. Concerns arise that often times, many of these shelters find it difficult to have a veterinarian on location at all times to care for the animals as necessary, given the variations in animal care needs. This bill will help to ensure that animals in public and private shelters are able to quickly receive vital preventive vaccinations and medications consistent with the current standard of care requirements.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: Yes
SUPPORT: (Verified 5/5/25)
California Veterinary Medical Association (co-source)
San Diego Humane Society (co-source)
San Francisco SPCA (co-source)
Act 2 Rescue
Best Friends
CalAnimals
Council Member Caity Maple, Chair, Law and Legislation Committee, City of Sacramento
County Health Executives Association of California
Social Compassion in Legislation
County of San Diego Animal Services
Forgotten Feline of Sonoma County
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter
Humane Society of Imperial Country
Humane World for Animals
Inland Valley Humane Society and SPCA
Joybound People and Pets
Marin Humane
Michelson Center for Public Policy
Napa County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center
Nine Lives
NorCal Boxer Rescue
NorCal GSP Rescue
Palo Alto Humane
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA
Pets in Need
San Gabriel Valley Humane Society
Santa Barbara Humane
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter
The Dancing Cat
Town of Apple Valley Animal Services
Valley Humane Society
Woody Feral Cat Support Group
OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/5/25)
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: Supporters note generally that this bill will help alleviate veterinary access challenges.
Prepared by: Elissa Silva / B., P. & E.D. / 916-651-4104
5/7/25 16:05:31
**** END ****
SENATE COMMITTEE ON
BUSINESS, PROFESSIONS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Senator Angelique Ashby, Chair
2025 - 2026 Regular
Bill No: SB 602 Hearing Date: April 21, 2025
Author: | Cortese | ||
Version: |
| ||
Urgency: | Fiscal: | ||
Consultant: | |||
Subject: Veterinarians: veterinarian-client-patient-relationship
SUMMARY:
Clarifies that a registered veterinary technician (RVT) may act as an agent of the veterinarian for purposes of establishing the veterinarian client patient relationship (VCPR) in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animal shelter.
Existing law:
- Establishes the Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) under the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), to license and regulate veterinarians and RVTs, issue premises permits for veterinary hospitals and Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permits (VACSPs). (BPC § 4800 et seq.)
- Authorizes the VMB, at any time, to inspect the premises in which veterinary medicine, veterinary dentistry, or veterinary surgery is practiced, and specifies that the VMB’s inspection authority does not extend to premises that are not registered with the VMB. (BPC § 4809.5)
- Prohibits a veterinarian from prescribing, dispensing, or administering a drug, medicine, application, or treatment of whatever nature for the prevention, cure, or relief of a wound, fracture, bodily injury, or disease of animals unless a VCPR exists, except when it is a wild animal or the owner of the animal patient is unknown. (BPC § 4826.6)
- States that a VCPR exists if the client authorizes the veterinarian to assume responsibility for medical judgments regarding the health of the animal patient, the veterinarian possesses sufficient knowledge of the animal patient to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the animal patient’s medical condition, and the veterinarian has assumed responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal patient and has communicated with the client a medical, treatment, diagnostic, or therapeutic plan appropriate to the circumstances. (BPC § 4826.6)
- Allows a veterinarian to authorize a RVT to act as an agent of the veterinarian for purposes of establishing the VCPR to administer preventative or prophylactic vaccines or medications, as specified, if all of the following conditions are met:
- The RVT administers those vaccines or medications in a registered veterinary premises when the veterinarian is physically present.
- When working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, the RVT administers the vaccines or medications when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available and the RVT has equipment and drugs necessary to provide immediate emergency care at a level commensurate with the provision of the vaccines or medications and the RVT examines the animal patient and administers the vaccines or medications in accordance with written protocols and procedures.
- The RVT examines the animal patient and administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications in accordance with written protocols and procedures established by the veterinarian, as specified. (BPC § 4826.7(b))
- Requires a RVT, veterinary assistant, and a VACSP holder to wear a nametag identification in at least 18-point type in any veterinary premises that is accessible to members of the public. (BPC § 4826.3)
- Requires the VMB to adopt regulations establishing animal health care tasks and an appropriate degree of supervision required for those tasks that may be performed only by a RVT or veterinarian. (BPC § 4836(a))
- Authorizes the VMB to revoke or suspend the certificate of registration of a RVT, as specified. (BPC § 4837)
- Prohibits an individual from using the title “RVT” or “veterinary technician” or using the initials R.V.T. without meeting the requirements to be a RVT, as specified. (BPC § 4839.5)
This bill revises the authority for a RVT to administer a specified vaccine or medication in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available, as specified.
FISCAL EFFECT:
Unknown. This bill is keyed fiscal by Legislative Counsel.
COMMENTS:
- Purpose. The San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the California Veterinary Medical Association, and the San Diego Humane Society are the sponsors of this bill. According to the author, “I was proud to author this bill’s predecessor, SB 669, in 2023. That crucial piece of legislation addressed the veterinary care shortage by enabling registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) to perform vaccinations at remote community clinics when their veterinarian is off site. After hearing about that bill’s success and the possibility of helping more animals, I was eager to author this legislation. SB 602 would build on SB 669’s success by allowing RVTs to perform vaccinations in shelters without their veterinarian being on the premises. This limited expansion of RVT duties will help stop the spread of rabies and other infectious diseases and provide essential care by getting more pets vaccinated statewide. It’s a win-win for public health and keeping our animals healthy.”
- Background.
Veterinary Medicine. The practice of veterinary medicine is specified in statute (BPC § 4826) and includes actions such as diagnosing or prescribing a drug, medicine, appliance, application, treatment of whatever nature, for the cure or relief of a wound, fracture, bodily injury or disease of animals (including those actions of an RVT or a veterinary assistant under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian). Further, the law requires that any premises where veterinary medicine, dentistry, or surgery is being practiced must obtain a premises permit from the VMB. A premises includes any building, kennel, mobile unit or vehicle (BPC § 4853).
RVTs. RVTs are an essential part of the veterinary workforce, performing critical support tasks from drawing blood and running laboratory tests to operating radiographic equipment and administering medication. Under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, an RVT is also able to suture skin, extract teeth, apply casts, or administer anesthesia. RVTs must register with the VMB to be authorized to provide those services within their standard of care. In order to become an RVT in California, an individual must meet one of four pathways which include education and experience requirements and pass a national licensing examination. As specified in 16 CCR, § 2036, an RVT may perform the following procedures only under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian: induce anesthesia, dental extractions, suture, create a relief hole in the skin to facilitate placement of an intravascular catheter. Under indirect supervision, they may apply casts and splints, administer controlled substances and perform drug compounding.
Veterinary Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). A major component of veterinary practice is the VCPR. The VCPR ensures that an animal has an established relationship with a veterinarian prior to providing treatment. The majority of states require a VCPR prior to treating an animal and most states require the VCPR be established in person. The VCPR is an integral part of veterinary medicine and is intended to provide assurances that the client has authorized the veterinarian to assume responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal, including the need for medical treatment, the veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the animal to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal, and the veterinarian has assumed responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal and has communicated with the client a course of treatment appropriate to the circumstance of the animal patient.
Under current law, BPC § 4826, prohibits a veterinarian from administering, prescribing, dispensing or furnishing a drug, medicine, appliance, or the treatment of whatever nature for the prevention, cure, or relief of a wound, fracture or bodily injury or disease of an animal without having first established a VCPR with the animal patient except where the patient is a wild animal or the owner is unknown.
In 2023, SB 669 (Cortese, Chapter 882, Statutes of 2023) was signed into law which explicitly authorized a RVT to establish the VCPR, while acting as the agent of a veterinarian for the purpose of administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites (such as flea medications, and vaccinations for parvovirus and distemper), if a number of conditions are met. The RVT and veterinarian must have written protocols and procedures. The RVT is required to collect data about the animal patient including the treatment, treatment plan, the diagnosis and assessment before or after, medications and treatment provided, among other requirements. The RVT and veterinarian must sign a statement authorizing the RVT to act as the veterinarian’s agent and that the veterinarian will assume risk for the RVT’s activities, and the documentation needs to be created and retained for all administrations.
This bill provides an update to the parameters of SB 669, to authorize the RVT to administer the preventive vaccines or medications in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available. Concerns arise that often times, many of these shelters find it difficult to have a veterinarian on location at all times to care for the animals as necessary, given the variations in animal care needs. This bill will help to ensure that animals in public and private shelters are able to quickly receive vital preventive vaccinations and medications consistent with the current standard of care requirements.
- Related Legislation. AB 516 (Kalra of 2025) Authorizes RVTs and veterinary assistants to perform animal health care services not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation, including on animals housed in public or private animal shelters, humane societies, or societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals. (Status: This bill is pending in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations)
AB 867 (Lee of 2025) would prohibit a person from performing a declawing or similar procedures on any cat or other animal unless the person is licensed as a veterinarian in California and the veterinarian is performing the declawing for a therapeutic purpose, as defined. (Status: This bill is pending in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations)
AB 1502 (Committee on Business and Professions of 2025) would extend the sunset date for the California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) to a future date, as well enact related changes as part of the Joint Legislative Sunset Review process. (Status: This bill is pending in the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions)
SB 669 (Cortese, Chapter 882, Statutes of 2023) authorizes a registered veterinary technician (RVT) to establish a veterinarian client patient relationship (VCPR) under the direct supervision of a veterinarian for purposes of administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications to control or eradicate internal or external parasites, as specified.
- Arguments in Support. The California Veterinary Medical Association, San Francisco SPCA, San Diego Humane Society, Valley Humane Society, NorCal Boxer Rescue, County of San Diego Animal Services, Joybound People and Pets, Nine Lives, San Gabriel Valley Humane Society, Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, Humane Society of Imperial Country, Napa County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, Marin Humane, NorCal GSP Rescue, Woody Feral Cat Support Group, Inland Valley Humane Society and SPCA, Act 2 Rescue, Humane World for Animals, Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter, Council Member Caity Maple, Chair, Law and Legislation Committee, City of Sacramento, Michelson Center for Public Policy, CalAnimals, The Dancing Cat, Best Friends, Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, Town of Apple Valley Animal Services, Pets in Need, Palo Alto Humane, Forgotten Feline of Sonoma County, and, Santa Barbara Humane write in support and note, “By allowing shelters to maximize their existing workforce, SB 602 will improve public health by increasing vaccination rates, reducing disease transmission, and ensuring more pets receive timely medical care. This bill is a common-sense solution that will help alleviate veterinary access challenges, particularly for low-income pet owners and shelter animals.”
Social Compassion in Legislation writes in support and notes, “…While this bill does not directly expand spay and neuter services, by expanding the veterinary care services that RVTs are able to perform at animal shelters there will be a “trickle down” effect – giving veterinarians more time to perform needed surgeries in addition to ensuring that shelter animals are given vaccines and wellness checks as efficiently as possible.”
County Health Executives Association of California writes in support and notes, “Animal control agencies and shelters are often overcrowded, placing a significant burden on staff. SB 602 expands the role of Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) in both public and private animal control agencies and shelters and is expected to improve access to veterinary care, allow RVTs to work to the full extent of their training, help retain RVTs by enabling them to take on a broader range of responsibilities, and free up veterinarians to focus on more complex cases.
SUPPORT AND OPPOSITION:
Support:
California Veterinary Medical Association (co-sponsor)
San Francisco SPCA (co-sponsor)
San Diego Humane Society (co-sponsor)
Act 2 Rescue
Best Friends
CalAnimals
Council Member Caity Maple, Chair, Law and Legislation Committee, City of Sacramento
County Health Executives Association of California
Social Compassion in Legislation
County of San Diego Animal Services
Forgotten Feline of Sonoma County
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter
Humane Society of Imperial Country
Humane World for Animals
Inland Valley Humane Society and SPCA
Joybound People and Pets
Marin Humane
Michelson Center for Public Policy
Napa County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center
Nine Lives
NorCal Boxer Rescue
NorCal GSP Rescue
Palo Alto Humane
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA
Pets in Need
San Gabriel Valley Humane Society
Santa Barbara Humane
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter
The Dancing Cat
Town of Apple Valley Animal Services
Valley Humane Society
Woody Feral Cat Support Group
Opposition:
None received
-- END --
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):