Wyoming Lawmakers Pass on Vet Tech Licensing Bill—for Now

Wyoming ranchers and vets agree on one thing: there aren’t enough large animal veterinarians in the state. But a plan to help ease that shortage hit a snag last week when the Legislature’s Joint Agriculture Committee narrowly voted against sponsoring a bill that would create licenses for veterinary technicians, Gillette News Record reports.

The proposal—known as Draft Bill 26LSO-0017—would have set up a system to license vet techs, giving trained graduates a clearer career path in Wyoming. Supporters say it wouldn’t solve the shortage outright but could make a dent.

“This would be of assistance to help alleviate that problem,” said Brett Moline with the Wyoming Farm Bureau. “Will it be a cure? No. It’s a step in the right direction.”

The irony, as Moline pointed out, is that Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington already runs a vet tech program—but its graduates can’t be licensed here. State Veterinarian Hallie Hasel urged lawmakers to visit the college themselves to see the value firsthand.

“They are so incredibly proud of their degrees, incredibly proud of what they’ve accomplished,” Hasel said. “I think if you had a chance to visit that program, this might clarify a lot of this discussion.”

Veterinarians themselves were largely on board. Tiffany Healey, a Cheyenne vet, said licensing would finally give recognition to people who’ve put in the training. And Rep. Bob Davis, R-Baggs, argued it would also protect consumers by ensuring vet techs meet professional standards.

Still, not everyone was convinced. Sen. Laura Pearson, R-Kemmerer, worried the costs of licensing could end up passed down to pet or livestock owners. Others questioned whether the bill was needed in all corners of the state, especially where small-town vets rely on family help rather than formal staff.

In the end, the committee voted 7–6 against backing the bill for the 2026 budget session. But the idea isn’t dead—an individual lawmaker could still pick it up when the Legislature reconvenes on Feb. 9, 2026.