CA SB602

Allows registered veterinary technicians to administer preventive vaccines and parasite medications at animal shelters (public animal control agencies, private shelters, humane societies, SPCA shelters) without the supervising veterinarian being physically present on-site

Veterinarian must be "in the general vicinity or available by telephone and quickly and easily available" when technicians work at shelters, matching the existing requirement for non-veterinary premises locations

Registered veterinary technicians working at shelters under this provision must have emergency care equipment and drugs on-site commensurate with the vaccines and medications being administered

Maintains existing requirements that veterinarians must establish written protocols, assume responsibility for technician actions, and retain documentation for at least three years

Signed into law October 10, 2025 as Chapter 589