SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Legislation expanding duties Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) and veterinary assistants can perform was signed into law this week.

According to a 2023 University of California, Davis study, California shelters lack adequate veterinary staffing, and more than half of California shelters are unable to provide care for “basic medical needs.”

RVTs and veterinary assistants often assist in medical procedures and patient care. Sponsored by the San Diego Humane Society, Assembly Bill (AB) 516 and Senate Bill (SB) 602 expand the responsibilities staff can carry out.

“This is a victory for California’s animals and their families,” President and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society Dr. Gary Weitzman said.

Assemblymember Ash Kalra’s AB 516 was signed into law by Go

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