citation: BPC § 4801

text:
(a) Each veterinarian member of the board shall be a bona fide resident of this state for a period of at least five years immediately preceding his or her appointment and shall have been a licensed veterinarian under this chapter and actually engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine in this state during that period.

(b) The registered veterinary technician member of the board shall be a bona fide resident of this state for a period of at least five years immediately preceding his or her appointment and shall have been registered under this chapter and actually engaged in the practice of a registered veterinary technician in this state during that period.

(c) Each public member of the board shall be a bona fide resident of this state for a period of at least five years immediately preceding his or her appointment and shall not be a licensee or registrant of the board, any other board under this division, or any board referred to in Section 1000 or 3600.

(d) No person shall serve as a member of the board for more than two consecutive terms.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 538, Sec. 3. (AB 1980) Effective January 1, 2011.)

article: 1. Administration


kind: section

code: BPC

citation: BPC § 4802

text:
The members of the board shall hold office for a term of four years. Each member shall serve until the appointment and qualification of his or her successor or until one year shall have elapsed since the expiration of the term for which he or she was appointed, whichever first occurs. A member may be reappointed subject to the limitation contained in Section 4801.

Vacancies occurring shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term, within 90 days after they occur.

The Governor shall appoint the four veterinarian members, the one registered veterinary technician member, and one public member, qualified as provided in Section 4801. The Senate Committee on Rules and the Speaker of the Assembly shall each appoint a public member, qualified as provided in Section 4801.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 538, Sec. 4. (AB 1980) Effective January 1, 2011.)

division: 2. HEALING ARTS

chapter: 11. Veterinary Medicine

article: 1. Administration

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 11. Veterinary Medicine > 1. Administration


citation: BPC § 4803

text: The Governor may, in his judgment, remove any member of the board for neglect of duty or other sufficient cause, after due notice and hearing.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 1937, Ch. 933.)

article: 1. Administration


citation: BPC § 4804

text: The board shall elect a president, vice president, and any other officers of the board as shall be necessary, from its membership. The Attorney General shall act as counsel for the board and the members thereof in their official or individual capacity for any act done under the color of official right.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 642, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1998.)

article: 1. Administration


text:
(a) The board may appoint a person exempt from civil service who shall be designated as an executive officer and who shall exercise the powers and perform the duties delegated by the board and vested in them by this chapter.

(b) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 195, Sec. 2. (AB 1502) Effective January 1, 2026. Repealed as of January 1, 2030, by its own provisions.)

article: 1. Administration


citation: BPC § 4805

text: The executive officer of the board may administer oaths or affirmations upon matters pertaining to the business of the board. Any person willfully making any false oath or affirmation is guilty of perjury.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 47, Sec. 35. Effective March 21, 1984.)

article: 1. Administration


citation: BPC § 4806

text: Each member of the board shall receive a per diem and expenses as provided in Section 103.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 642, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1998.)

article: 1. Administration


citation: BPC § 4807

text: Five members of the board constitute a quorum for transaction of business at any meeting of the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 538, Sec. 6. (AB 1980) Effective January 1, 2011.)

article: 1. Administration


citation: BPC § 4808

text: The board may in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, adopt, amend, or repeal rules and regulations that are reasonably necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this chapter. The board may hold meetings that are necessary for the transaction of business. It shall issue all licenses to practice veterinary medicine and all registrations to practice as a veterinary technician in this state.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 80, Sec. 2. (AB 107) Effective January 1, 2010.)

article: 1. Administration


citation: BPC § 4809

text:
The board shall keep an official record of its meetings, and it shall also keep an official register of all applicants for licenses.

The register shall be prima facie evidence of all matters contained therein.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1959, Ch. 477.)

article: 1. Administration


text: The board may at any time inspect the premises in which veterinary medicine, veterinary dentistry, or veterinary surgery is being practiced. The board’s inspection authority does not extend to premises that are not registered with the board. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the board’s ability to investigate alleged unlicensed activity or to inspect a premises for which registration has lapsed or is delinquent.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 515, Sec. 21. (SB 304) Effective January 1, 2014.)

article: 1. Administration


text: The enforcement of Sections 4809.5 and 4854 of this chapter is a function exclusively reserved to the California Veterinary Medical Board and the state has preempted and occupied this field of enforcing the cleanliness and sanitary requirements of this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 497, Sec. 57. (SB 1526) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 1. Administration


text: The board shall establish a regular inspection program that will provide for random announced or unannounced inspections of veterinary premises. The board shall make every reasonable effort to ensure veterinary premises are inspected in a timely manner.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 195, Sec. 3. (AB 1502) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 1. Administration


text:
(a) The board shall establish an advisory committee to assist, advise, and make recommendations for the implementation of rules and regulations necessary to ensure proper administration and enforcement of this chapter and to assist the board in its examination, licensure, and registration programs. The committee shall serve only in an advisory capacity to the board and the objectives, duties, and actions of the committee shall not be a substitute for or conflict with any of the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the board. The committee shall be known as the Veterinary Medicine Multidisciplinary Advisory Committee. The multidisciplinary committee shall consist of nine members. The following members of the multidisciplinary committee shall be appointed by the board from lists of nominees solicited by the board: four licensed veterinarians, two registered veterinary technicians, and one public member. The committee shall also include one veterinarian member of the board and one registered veterinary technician member of the board, both to be appointed by the board president. Members of the multidisciplinary committee shall represent a sufficient cross section of the interests in veterinary medicine in order to address the issues before it, as determined by the board, including veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, and members of the public.

(b) Multidisciplinary committee members appointed by the board shall serve for a term of three years and appointments shall be staggered accordingly. A member may be reappointed, but no person shall serve as a member of the committee for more than two consecutive terms. Vacancies occurring shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term, within 90 days after they occur. Board members of the multidisciplinary committee shall serve concurrently with their terms of office on the board.

(c) The multidisciplinary committee shall be subject to the requirements of Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(d) Multidisciplinary committee members shall receive a per diem as provided in Section 103 and shall be compensated for their actual travel expenses in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted by the Department of Human Resources.

(e) The board may remove a member of the multidisciplinary committee appointed by the board for continued neglect of a duty required by this chapter, for incompetency, or for unprofessional conduct.

(f) It is the intent of the Legislature that the multidisciplinary committee, in implementing this section, give appropriate consideration to issues pertaining to the practice of registered veterinarian technicians.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 195, Sec. 4. (AB 1502) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 1. Administration


citation: BPC § 4810

text:
As used in this chapter:

(a) “Board” means the California Veterinary Medical Board.

(b) “Multidisciplinary committee” means the Veterinary Medicine Multidisciplinary Advisory Committee established pursuant to Section 4809.8.

(c) “Regulations” means the rules and regulations set forth in Division 20 (commencing with Section 2000) of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 497, Sec. 58. (SB 1526) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 1. Administration


citation: BPC § 4811

text: This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Veterinary Medicine Practice Act.”

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 60, Sec. 11. Effective July 6, 1995.)

article: 1. Administration


citation: BPC § 4825

text: It is unlawful for any person to practice veterinary medicine or any branch thereof in this State unless at the time of so doing, such person holds a valid, unexpired, and unrevoked license as provided in this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1961, Ch. 1395.)

article: 2. Practice Provisions

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 11. Veterinary Medicine > 2. Practice Provisions


text:
These definitions shall govern the construction of this chapter as it applies to veterinary medicine.

(a) “Client” means the individual or individuals who represent to the veterinarian that they are the owner or owners of the animal patient at the time that the services are provided.

(b) “Diagnosis” means the act or process of identifying or determining the health status of an animal patient through examination and the opinion derived from that examination.

(c) “Animal” means any member of the animal kingdom other than humans, and includes fowl, fish, and reptiles, wild or domestic, whether living or dead.

(d) “Food animal” means any animal that is raised for the production of an edible product intended for consumption by humans. The edible product includes, but is not limited to, milk, meat, and eggs. Food animal includes, but is not limited to, cattle (beef or dairy), swine, sheep, poultry, fish, and amphibian species.

(e) “Livestock” includes all animals, poultry, aquatic and amphibian species that are raised, kept, or used for profit. It does not include those species that are usually kept as pets such as dogs, cats, and pet birds, or companion animals, including equines.

(f) “Synchronous” means a real-time interaction between a client and animal patient with a veterinarian who is licensed in this state and located at a distant site.

(g) “Telehealth” means the mode of delivering veterinary medicine via electronic communication technologies to facilitate the diagnosis, consultation, care management, or treatment of an animal patient, and includes, but is not limited to, synchronous video and audio communication; synchronous, two-way audio communication; and electronic transmission of images, diagnostics, data, and medical information.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 475, Sec. 2. (AB 1399) Effective January 1, 2024.)

article: 2. Practice Provisions


citation: BPC § 4826

text:
A person practices veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry, and the various branches thereof, when the person does any one of the following:

(a) Represents oneself as engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine, veterinary surgery, or veterinary dentistry in any of its branches.

(b) Diagnoses or prescribes a drug, medicine, appliance, application, or treatment of whatever nature for the prevention, cure, or relief of a wound, fracture, bodily injury, or disease of animals.

(c) Administers a drug, medicine, appliance, application, or treatment of whatever nature for the prevention, cure, or relief of a wound, fracture, bodily injury, or disease of animals, except where the medicine, appliance, application, or treatment is administered by a registered veterinary technician or a veterinary assistant at the direction of and under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian subject to Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 4836) or where the drug, including, but not limited to, a drug that is a controlled substance, is administered by a registered veterinary technician or a veterinary assistant pursuant to Section 4836.1. However, no person, other than a licensed veterinarian, may induce anesthesia unless authorized by regulation of the board.

(d) Performs a surgical or dental operation upon an animal.

(e) Performs a tendonectomy, onychectomy, or any type of claw removal on a feline.

(f) Performs any manual procedure for the diagnosis of pregnancy, sterility, or infertility upon livestock or Equidae.

(g) Collects blood from an animal for the purpose of transferring or selling that blood and blood component products to a licensed veterinarian at a registered premises, except where the blood is collected by a registered veterinary technician or veterinary assistant at the direction of, and under the direct supervision of, a licensed veterinarian subject to Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 4836) or where the blood is collected by a registered veterinary technician or a veterinary assistant pursuant to Section 4836.5. For purposes of this section, “blood and blood component products” has the same meaning as defined in Section 4920.

(h) Uses any words, letters, or titles in such connection or under such circumstances as to induce the belief that the person using them is engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine, veterinary surgery, or veterinary dentistry. This use shall be prima facie evidence of the intention to represent oneself as engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine, veterinary surgery, or veterinary dentistry.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 479, Sec. 1. (AB 867) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2. Practice Provisions


text: A veterinarian who on his or her own initiative, at the request of an owner, or at the request of someone other than the owner, renders emergency treatment to a sick or injured animal at the scene of an accident shall not be liable in damages to the owner of that animal in the absence of gross negligence.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 879, Sec. 3.5. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 2. Practice Provisions


text: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a veterinarian, registered veterinary technician, or a veterinary assistant working under the supervision of a veterinarian, may provide veterinary care and treatment for any animal restricted pursuant to Section 2118 of the Fish and Game Code. A veterinarian, registered veterinary technician, or a veterinary assistant working under the supervision of a veterinarian, may lawfully possess one or more of the animals only for the period of time that, in his or her judgment, veterinary care and treatment are necessary. No veterinarian, registered veterinary technician, or veterinary assistant working under the supervision of a veterinarian, has a duty to advise law enforcement if he or she becomes aware that one or more of the animals is possessed in the state. For the purposes of this section, “veterinary care and treatment” does not include boarding when no veterinary care or treatment is required.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 239, Sec. 2. (AB 1839) Effective January 1, 2013.)

article: 2. Practice Provisions


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any law, a veterinary technician, veterinary assistant, and veterinary assistant controlled substances permitholder registered in this state shall wear a name tag identification in at least 18 point type in any area of the veterinary premises that is accessible to members of the public. The name tag shall include the veterinary technician, veterinary assistant, and veterinary assistant controlled substances permitholder’s name, and, if applicable, the license, registration, or permit type and number issued by the board.

(b) A person subject to the requirement in subdivision (a) may remove the name tag when working with or handling animal patients.

(c) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2023.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 631, Sec. 3. (AB 1535) Effective January 1, 2022. Operative January 1, 2023, by its own provisions.)

article: 2. Practice Provisions


text:
(a) A California-licensed veterinarian at premises registered in accordance with Section 4853 that is located within a 25-mile radius of any condition of emergency specified in Section 8558 of the Government Code may, in good faith, do both of the following in addition to any other acts authorized by law:

(1) Render necessary and prompt care and treatment to an animal patient without establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship if conditions are such that one cannot be established in a timely manner.

(2) Dispense or prescribe a dangerous drug or device, as defined in Section 4022, in reasonable quantities where failure to provide services or medications, including controlled substances, may result in loss of life or intense suffering of the animal patient. Prior to refilling a prescription pursuant to this paragraph, the veterinarian shall make a reasonable effort to contact the originally prescribing veterinarian.

(b) A veterinarian acting under this section shall make an appropriate record that includes the basis for proceeding under this section.

(c) A veterinarian who performs services pursuant to this section shall have immunity from liability pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 8659 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 571, Sec. 25. (SB 1480) Effective January 1, 2019.)

article: 2. Practice Provisions


text: Notwithstanding any other law, a licensed veterinarian, registered veterinary technician, or veterinary assistant controlled substance permitholder under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian may compound drugs for animal use pursuant to Section 530 of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations and in accordance with regulations promulgated by the board. The regulations promulgated by the board shall, at a minimum, address the storage of drugs, the level and type of supervision required for compounding drugs by a registered veterinary technician or a veterinary assistant controlled substance permitholder, and the equipment necessary for the safe compounding of drugs. Any violation of the regulations adopted by the board pursuant to this section shall constitute grounds for an enforcement or disciplinary action.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 195, Sec. 5. (AB 1502) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2. Practice Provisions


text:
(a) A veterinarian shall not prescribe, dispense, or administer 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 veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists or as otherwise permitted by law, except when the animal patient is a wild animal or the owner of the animal patient is unknown. A veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The client has authorized the veterinarian to assume responsibility for medical judgments regarding the health of the animal patient.

(2) 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.

(3) 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.

(b) A veterinarian possesses sufficient knowledge of the animal patient for purposes of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) if the veterinarian has recently seen, or is personally acquainted with, the care of the animal patient by doing any of the following:

(1) Examining the animal patient in person.

(2) Examining the animal patient by use of synchronous audio-video communication.

(3) Making medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises on which the animal patient is kept.

(c) For purposes of paragraphs (1) and (3) of subdivision (a), the client may authorize an agent to act on the client’s behalf.

(d) Synchronous audio-video communication is not required for the delivery of veterinary medicine via telehealth after a veterinarian-client-patient relationship has been established unless the veterinarian determines that it is necessary in order to provide care consistent with prevailing veterinary medical practice.

(e) A veterinarian-client-patient relationship shall not be established solely by audio-only communication or by means of a questionnaire.

(f) Only a person who holds a current license to practice veterinary medicine in this state is authorized to practice veterinary medicine via telehealth on an animal patient located in this state.

(g) Before delivering veterinary medicine via telehealth, the veterinarian shall inform the client about the use and potential limitations of telehealth and obtain consent from the client to use telehealth, including acknowledgment of all of the following:

(1) The same standards of care apply to veterinary medicine services via telehealth and in-person veterinary medical services.

(2) The client has the option to choose an in-person visit from a veterinarian at any time.

(3) The client has been advised how to receive followup care or assistance in the event of an adverse reaction to the treatment or in the event of an inability to communicate resulting from technological or equipment failure.

(h) A veterinarian who practices veterinary medicine via telehealth shall do all of the following:

(1) Ensure that the technology, method, and equipment used to provide veterinary medicine services via telehealth comply with all current privacy protection laws.

(2) Have historical knowledge of the animal patient by obtaining and reviewing the animal patient’s relevant medical history, and, if available, medical records. If medical records exist from a previous in-person visit and are available to the client, the client may transmit those records, including any diagnostic data contained therein, to the veterinarian electronically.

(3) Employ sound professional judgment to determine whether using telehealth is an appropriate method for delivering medical advice or treatment to the animal patient and providing quality of care consistent with prevailing veterinary medical practice.

(4) Be familiar with available medical resources, including emergency resources near the animal patient’s location, be able to provide the client with a list of nearby veterinarians who may be able to see the animal patient in person upon the request of the client, and keep, maintain, and make available a copy or summary of the animal patient record, as specified in Section 4855.

(5) Provide the client with the veterinarian’s name, contact information, and license number.

(6) Secure an alternative means of contacting the client if the electronic means is interrupted.

(i) (1) A veterinarian shall not prescribe a drug for a duration of time that is inconsistent with the medical condition of the animal patient or the type of drug prescribed.

(2) A veterinarian who established the required veterinarian-client-patient relationship by examining the animal patient in person or by making medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises on which the animal patient is kept shall not prescribe a drug for a duration of time that is longer than one year from the date that the veterinarian examined the animal patient in person or visited the premises and prescribed the drug.

(3) Except as provided in paragraphs (4) to (8), inclusive, a veterinarian who practices veterinary medicine via telehealth may order, prescribe, or make available drugs, as defined in Section 11014 of the Health and Safety Code, in accordance with all relevant state and federal regulations.

(4) A veterinarian who established the required veterinarian-client-patient relationship using synchronous audio-video communication shall not prescribe a drug to the animal patient for use for a period longer than six months from the date upon which the veterinarian examined the animal patient or prescribed the drug. The veterinarian shall not issue another prescription to the animal patient for the same drug unless they have conducted another examination of the animal patient, either in person or using telehealth.

(5) A veterinarian who established the required veterinarian-client-patient relationship using synchronous audio-video communication shall not prescribe an antimicrobial drug to the animal patient for a period longer than 14 days of treatment. The veterinarian shall not issue any further antimicrobial drug prescription, including a refill, to treat the condition of the animal patient unless the veterinarian has conducted an in-person examination of the animal patient.

(6) The veterinarian shall not order, prescribe, or make available a controlled substance, as defined in Section 4021, or xylazine, unless the veterinarian has performed an in-person physical examination of the animal patient or made medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal patient is kept.

(7) The veterinarian shall notify the client that some prescription drugs or medications may be available at a pharmacy and, if requested, the veterinarian shall submit a prescription to a pharmacy that the client chooses.

(8) A veterinarian shall not prescribe via telehealth any drug or medication for use on a horse engaged in racing or training at a facility under the jurisdiction of the California Horse Racing Board pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 19400) of Division 8.

(j) As used in this section, “drug” means any controlled substance, as defined in Section 4021, or any dangerous drug, as defined in Section 4022.

(k) A veterinarian is permitted to use telehealth without establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship in order to provide advice in an emergency, as defined in Section 4840.5.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 195, Sec. 6. (AB 1502) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2. Practice Provisions


text:
(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 patient’s 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’s, herd’s, or flock’s 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 animal’s 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 veterinarian’s name and license number to the client.

(B) After providing the disclosure specified in subparagraph (A), the registered veterinary technician records in the animal patient’s medical record the verbal or written authorization of the client to proceed with the registered veterinary technician’s 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 technician’s work as an agent of that veterinarian and until three years from the date of the termination of the veterinarian’s 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 patient’s last visit.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 589, Sec. 1. (SB 602) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2. Practice Provisions


text:
(a) An onychectomy, tendonectomy, surgical claw removal, or declaw on any feline or any procedure to otherwise alter a feline’s toes, claws, or paws to prevent or impair the normal function of the feline’s toes, claws, or paws shall be performed solely for a therapeutic purpose.

(b) For purposes of this section, “therapeutic purpose” means a medically necessary procedure to address an existing or recurring infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claws, nail bed, or toe bone, which jeopardizes the feline’s health. “Therapeutic purpose” does not include a procedure performed for a cosmetic or aesthetic purpose or to make the feline more convenient to keep or handle.

(c) This section shall not prohibit a veterinarian from nail trimming or applying nonsurgical scratching mitigation solutions, such as the application of a device to the tip of a claw.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 479, Sec. 2. (AB 867) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2. Practice Provisions


citation: BPC § 4827

text:
(a) Nothing in this chapter prohibits any person from:

(1) Practicing veterinary medicine as a bona fide owner of one’s own animals, except for the procedures specified in Section 4826.8. This exemption applies to the following:

(A) The owner’s bona fide employees.

(B) Any person assisting the owner, provided that the practice is performed gratuitously.

(2) Lay testing of poultry by the whole blood agglutination test. For purposes of this section, “poultry” means flocks of avian species maintained for food production, including, but not limited to, chickens, turkeys, and exotic fowl.

(3) Making any determination as to the status of pregnancy, sterility, or infertility upon livestock, equine, or food animals at the time an animal is being inseminated, providing no charge is made for this determination.

(4) Administering sodium pentobarbital for euthanasia of sick, injured, homeless, or surrendered domestic pets or animals without the presence of a veterinarian when the person is administering the treatment in their capacity as an employee of an animal control shelter and its agencies or humane society and has received proper training in the administration of sodium pentobarbital for these purposes.

(5) Providing the following care to animals lawfully deposited with or impounded by a shelter not registered with the board pursuant to Section 4853:

(A) Administering preventative or prophylactic nonprescription vaccinations to the animal pursuant to protocols written by a veterinarian licensed in this state for the purposes of preventing the spread of communicable diseases, without the presence of a veterinarian when the person has received proper training in the administration of the nonprescription preventative or prophylactic vaccinations.

(B) Administering nonprescription medications to the animal pursuant to protocols written by a veterinarian licensed in this state, for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites, including, but not limited to, fleas, ticks, or worms, without the presence of a veterinarian when the person has received proper training in the administration of the nonprescription medications for the control or eradication of those internal or external parasites. A person’s decision to administer these medications shall not be construed to mean the person has made a diagnosis of the animal’s medical condition.

(C) Administering medications prescribed by a veterinarian licensed in the state to the animal without the presence of a veterinarian when the shelter has received a written treatment plan from the licensed veterinarian for that specific animal and has a dispensing protocol in place for the tracking of dispensed prescribed medications and when the person has received proper training in the administration of prescription medications.

(b) For the purposes of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a):

(1) “Proper training” means completing a training curriculum of at least four hours provided by a veterinarian licensed to practice in this state, and includes, but is not limited to, an overview of intake procedures and preventative medicine, recognizing when an animal is required to be seen by a veterinarian, prescription and nonprescription medications, humane animal restraint techniques, vaccination injection methods and procedures, and documentation.

(2) “Shelter” means a public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, or humane society shelter that is not registered with the board pursuant to Section 4853.

(c) A shelter providing care to an animal pursuant to this section that is not registered with the board pursuant to Section 4853 shall report to the board any adverse event resulting in significant impairment or death from the care provided, on a form prescribed by the board, including severe injuries, infections, and unintended reactions caused by the incorrect or inappropriate administration of a vaccine or medications.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 479, Sec. 3.5. (AB 867) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2. Practice Provisions


citation: BPC § 4828

text: All veterinarians actually engaged and employed as veterinarians by the state, or a county, city, corporation, firm or individual are practicing veterinary medicine and shall secure a license issued by the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 60, Sec. 14. Effective July 6, 1995.)

article: 2. Practice Provisions


citation: BPC § 4829

text: Any license granted to any person to practice veterinary medicine, or any branch thereof, in this State issued under any preceding act relating to veterinary medicine shall remain in force until the renewal fee becomes due and thereafter so long as the holder complies with the provisions of this chapter relating to the renewal of the license and not otherwise. Notwithstanding the payment of this fee his license at any time may be suspended or revoked as provided in Article 4 of this chapter.

article: 2. Practice Provisions


text:
(a) Each time a veterinarian initially prescribes, dispenses, or furnishes a dangerous drug, as defined in Section 4022, to an animal patient in an outpatient setting, the veterinarian shall offer to provide, verbally, in writing, or by email to the client, a consultation that includes the following information:

(1) The name and description of the dangerous drug.

(2) Route of administration, dosage form, dosage, duration of drug therapy, the duration of the effects of the drug, and the common severe adverse effects associated with the use of a short-acting or long-acting drug.

(3) Any special directions for proper use and storage.

(4) Actions to be taken in the event of a missed dose.

(5) If available, precautions and relevant warnings provided by the drug’s manufacturer, including common severe adverse effects of the drug.

(b) If requested, a veterinarian shall provide drug documentation, if available.

(c) A veterinarian may delegate to a registered veterinary technician or veterinary assistant the task of providing the consultation and drug documentation required by this section.

(d) It shall be noted in the medical record of the animal patient if the consultation described in this section is provided or declined by the client.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 475, Sec. 4. (AB 1399) Effective January 1, 2024.)

article: 2. Practice Provisions


citation: BPC § 4830

text:
(a) This chapter does not apply to:

(1) Veterinarians while serving in any armed branch of the military service of the United States or the United States Department of Agriculture while actually engaged and employed in their official capacity.

(2) Veterinarians holding a current, valid license in good standing in another state or country who provide assistance to a California-licensed veterinarian and attend on a specific case. The California-licensed veterinarian shall maintain a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship. The veterinarian providing the assistance shall not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship with the client by attending the case or at a future time and shall not practice veterinary medicine, open an office, appoint a place to meet patients, communicate with clients who reside within the limits of this state, give orders, or have ultimate authority over the care or primary diagnosis of a patient that is located within this state.

(3) Veterinarians called into the state by a law enforcement agency or animal control agency pursuant to subdivision (b).

(4) A student of a veterinary medical program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education who participates as part of the student’s formal curriculum in the diagnosis and treatment with direct supervision by a California-licensed veterinarian, or in surgery with immediate supervision by a California-licensed veterinarian, provided all of the following requirements are met:

(A) The clinical training site has been approved by the university where the student is enrolled.

(B) The student has prior training in diagnosis, treatment, and surgery as part of the formal curriculum.

(5) A veterinarian who is employed by the Meat and Poultry Inspection Branch of the California Department of Food and Agriculture while actually engaged and employed in the veterinarian’s official capacity. A person exempt under this paragraph shall not otherwise engage in the practice of veterinary medicine unless the person is issued a license by the board.

(6) Unlicensed personnel employed by the Department of Food and Agriculture or the United States Department of Agriculture when in the course of their duties they are directed by a veterinarian supervisor to conduct an examination, obtain biological specimens, apply biological tests, or administer medications or biological products as part of government disease or condition monitoring, investigation, control, or eradication activities.

(b) (1) For purposes of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a), a regularly licensed veterinarian in good standing who is called from another state by a law enforcement agency or animal control agency, as defined in Section 31606 of the Food and Agricultural Code, to attend to cases that are a part of an investigation of an alleged violation of federal or state animal fighting or animal cruelty laws within a single geographic location shall be exempt from the licensing requirements of this chapter if the law enforcement agency or animal control agency determines that it is necessary to call the veterinarian in order for the agency or officer to conduct the investigation in a timely, efficient, and effective manner. In determining whether it is necessary to call a veterinarian from another state, consideration shall be given to the availability of veterinarians in this state to attend to these cases. An agency, department, or officer that calls a veterinarian pursuant to this subdivision shall notify the board of the investigation.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a regularly licensed veterinarian in good standing who is called from another state to attend to cases that are a part of an investigation described in paragraph (1) may provide veterinary medical care for animals that are affected by the investigation with a temporary shelter facility, and the temporary shelter facility shall be exempt from the registration requirement of Section 4853 if all of the following conditions are met:

(A) The temporary shelter facility is established only for the purpose of the investigation.

(B) The temporary shelter facility provides veterinary medical care, shelter, food, and water only to animals that are affected by the investigation.

(C) The temporary shelter facility complies with Section 4854.

(D) The temporary shelter facility exists for not more than 60 days, unless the law enforcement agency or animal control agency determines that a longer period of time is necessary to complete the investigation.

(E) Within 30 calendar days upon completion of the provision of veterinary health care services at a temporary shelter facility established pursuant to this section, the veterinarian called from another state by a law enforcement agency or animal control agency to attend to a case shall file a report with the board. The report shall contain the date, place, type, and general description of the care provided, along with a listing of the veterinary health care practitioners who participated in providing that care.

(c) For purposes of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a), the board may inspect temporary facilities established pursuant to this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 631, Sec. 5. (AB 1535) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 2. Practice Provisions


text:
(a) If a licensee under this chapter has reasonable cause to believe that a dog has been injured or killed through participation in a staged animal fight, as prescribed in Section 597b of the Penal Code, it is the duty of the licensee to promptly report that fact to the appropriate law enforcement authorities of the county, city, or city and county in which the fight occurred.

(b) A licensee shall not incur any civil liability as a result of making any report pursuant to this section or as a result of making any report of a violation of Section 596, subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 597, or Section 597b, former Section 597f, Section 597g, 597n, 597.1, or 597.5 of the Penal Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 256, Sec. 1. (SB 781) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 2. Practice Provisions


text: Whenever any licensee under this chapter has reasonable cause to believe an animal under its care has been a victim of animal abuse or cruelty, as prescribed in Section 597 of the Penal Code, it shall be the duty of the licensee to promptly report it to the appropriate law enforcement authorities of the county, city, or city and county in which it occurred. No licensee shall incur any civil liability as a result of making any report pursuant to this section or as a result of making any report of a violation of subdivisions (a), (b), and (c) of Section 597 of the Penal Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 467, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2005.)

article: 2. Practice Provisions


text:
(a) An attending or on-call veterinarian at a rodeo event shall, pursuant to Section 596.7 of the Penal Code, report to the board any animal injury at the event requiring veterinary treatment within 48 hours of the conclusion of the rodeo.

(b) A veterinarian, other than a veterinarian identified in subdivision (a), shall report to the board within seven days of rendering treatment to an animal for an injury that the veterinarian knows occurred at a rodeo event.

(c) A report submitted pursuant to this section shall include the title, location, and date of the rodeo event, the name of the attending veterinarian at the event, the name of the reporting veterinarian, the type of animal, and a brief description of the injury suffered by the animal. The board shall post a form on its Internet Web site to be used by veterinarians for purposes of submitting this report.

(d) For purposes of this section, “rodeo” has the same meaning set forth in Section 596.7 of the Penal Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 538, Sec. 10. (AB 1980) Effective January 1, 2011.)

article: 2. Practice Provisions


citation: BPC § 4831

text: Any person, who violates or aids or abets in violating any of the provisions of this chapter, is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500), nor more than two thousand dollars ($2,000), or by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than 30 days nor more than one year, or by both the fine and imprisonment.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 642, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 1998.)

article: 2. Practice Provisions


citation: BPC § 4836

text:
(a) The board shall adopt regulations establishing animal health care tasks and an appropriate degree of supervision required for those tasks that may be performed only by a registered veterinary technician or a licensed veterinarian.

(b) The board also may adopt regulations establishing animal health care tasks that may be performed by a veterinary assistant as well as by a registered veterinary technician or a licensed veterinarian. The board shall establish an appropriate degree of supervision by a registered veterinary technician or a licensed veterinarian over a veterinary assistant for any tasks established under this subdivision and the degree of supervision for any of those tasks shall be higher than, or equal to, the degree of supervision required when a registered veterinary technician performs the task.

(c) The board may adopt regulations, as needed, to define subdivision (c) of Section 4840, including, but not limited to, procedures for citations and fines, in accordance with Section 125.9.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 239, Sec. 4. (AB 1839) Effective January 1, 2013.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 11. Veterinary Medicine > 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a registered veterinary technician or a veterinary assistant may administer a drug, including, but not limited to, a drug that is a controlled substance, under the direct or indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian when done pursuant to the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed veterinarian. However, no person, other than a licensed veterinarian, may induce anesthesia unless authorized by regulation of the California Veterinary Medical Board.

(b) A veterinary assistant may obtain or administer a controlled substance pursuant to the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed veterinarian, only if they meet both of the following conditions:

(1) Is designated by a licensed veterinarian to obtain or administer controlled substances.

(2) Holds a valid veterinary assistant controlled substance permit issued pursuant to Section 4836.2.

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), if the California Veterinary Medical Board, in consultation with the California State Board of Pharmacy, identifies a dangerous drug, as defined in Section 4022, as a drug that has an established pattern of being diverted, the California Veterinary Medical Board may restrict access to that drug by veterinary assistants.

(d) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Controlled substance” has the same meaning as that term is defined in Section 11007 of the Health and Safety Code.

(2) “Direct supervision” has the same meaning as that term is defined in subdivision (e) of Section 2034 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations.

(3) “Drug” has the same meaning as that term is defined in Section 11014 of the Health and Safety Code.

(4) “Indirect supervision” has the same meaning as that term is defined in subdivision (f) of Section 2034 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations.

(e) This section shall become operative on the date Section 4836.2 becomes operative.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 497, Sec. 60. (SB 1526) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


text:
(a) To obtain a veterinary assistant controlled substance permit in California, an individual shall satisfy the following requirements:

(1) Complete and submit an application furnished by the board.

(2) Pay the applicable fees specified in Section 4905.

(3) Pursuant to Section 144, submit a full set of fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a criminal history record check and undergoing a state and federal criminal offender record information search conducted through the Department of Justice, pursuant to subdivision (u) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code. The Department of Justice shall provide a state or federal response to the board pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (p) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code.

(b) The applicant shall disclose each state, Canadian province, or United States territory in which the applicant currently holds or has ever held a license, registration, certificate, or permit to practice veterinary medicine. License verification, including any disciplinary or enforcement history, shall be confirmed through electronic means or direct submission from each state, Canadian province, or United States territory in which the applicant has identified that the applicant holds or has ever held a license to practice veterinary medicine.

(c) A veterinary assistant controlled substance permit application shall be subject to denial pursuant to Sections 480 and 4883.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 195, Sec. 9. (AB 1502) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


text:
(a) Every person who has been issued a veterinary assistant controlled substance permit by the board pursuant to Section 4836.2 who changes his or her mailing or employer address shall notify the board of his or her new mailing or employer address within 30 days of the change. The board shall not renew the permit of any person who fails to comply with this section unless the person pays the penalty fee prescribed in Section 4842.5. An applicant for the renewal of a permit shall specify in his or her application whether he or she has changed his or her mailing or employer address and the board may accept that statement as evidence of the fact.

(b) This section shall become operative on the date Section 4836.2 becomes operative.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 515, Sec. 28. (SB 304) Effective January 1, 2014. Pursuant to subd. (e), this section became operative on July 1, 2015, the operative date of Section 4836.2. Note: Section 4836.2 first became operative on July 1, 2015, in its form as amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 395.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a registered veterinary technician or a veterinary assistant may collect blood from an animal for the purpose of transferring or selling the blood and blood component products to a licensed veterinarian at a registered premises, under the direct or indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian when done pursuant to the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed veterinarian.

(b) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Blood and blood component products” has the same meaning as that term is defined in Section 4920.

(2) “Direct supervision” has the same meaning as that term is defined in subdivision (e) of Section 2034 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations.

(3) “Indirect supervision” has the same meaning as that term is defined in subdivision (f) of Section 2034 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 752, Sec. 2. (AB 1282) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


text: The board shall take action pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 4875) of this chapter against any veterinarian licensed or authorized to practice in this state who permits any registered veterinary technician or veterinary assistant to perform any animal health care services other than those allowed by this article.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 4836.5 by Stats. 2021, Ch. 752, Sec. 3. (AB 1282) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


citation: BPC § 4839

text: For purposes of this article, “registered veterinary technician” means a person who has met the requirements set forth in Section 4841.5 and is registered by the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 195, Sec. 12. (AB 1502) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


text: No person shall use the title “registered veterinary technician” or “veterinary technician,” or any other words, letters, or symbols, including, but not limited to, the abbreviation “R.V.T.,” with the intent to represent that the person is authorized to act as a registered veterinary technician, unless that person meets the requirements of Section 4839.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 538, Sec. 17. (AB 1980) Effective January 1, 2011.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


citation: BPC § 4840

text:
(a) Registered veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants are approved to perform animal health care services not otherwise prohibited by law under the supervision of a veterinarian licensed or authorized to practice in this state.

(b) (1) Registered veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants may perform animal health care services not otherwise prohibited by law on those animals housed in public or private animal shelters, humane societies, or societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals pursuant to the direct order, written order, or telephonic order of a veterinarian licensed or authorized to practice in this state.

(2) An order established by a veterinarian pursuant to paragraph (1) may include any of the following information:

(A) Time periods by which an animal is required to be assessed at intake and monitored while in the custody of an agency.

(B) Protocols to address the treatment of common medical conditions encountered in animals.

(C) Protocols for controlling infectious and zoonotic diseases and for preventing environmental contamination.

(D) Protocols for controlling the acute pain of an animal.

(E) Communication requirements between the registered veterinary technician and the supervising veterinarian.

(F) Euthanasia criteria for medically related cases.

(c) Registered veterinary technicians may perform dental care procedures, including tooth extractions, under the supervision of a veterinarian licensed or authorized to practice in this state.

(d) Registered veterinary technicians may apply for registration from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration that authorizes the direct purchase of sodium pentobarbital for the performance of euthanasia as provided for in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 4827 without the supervision or authorization of a licensed veterinarian.

(e) Registered veterinary technicians may act as an agent of the supervising veterinarian in establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship for the purposes of administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in accordance with subdivision (b) of Section 4826.7.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 371, Sec. 1. (AB 516) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


text:
Registered veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants shall not perform the following health care services:

(a) Surgery.

(b) Diagnosis and prognosis of animal diseases.

(c) Prescribing of drugs, medicine, and appliances.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 239, Sec. 8. (AB 1839) Effective January 1, 2013.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


text: Under conditions of an emergency, a registered veterinary technician may render such lifesaving aid and treatment as may be prescribed under regulations adopted by the board pursuant to Section 4836. Such emergency aid and treatment if rendered to an animal patient not in the presence of a licensed veterinarian may only be continued under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. “Emergency” for the purpose of this section, means that the animal has been placed in a life-threatening condition where immediate treatment is necessary.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 429, Sec. 11. (SB 547) Effective January 1, 2018.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


text: Any registered veterinary technician registered in this state who in good faith renders emergency animal health care at the scene of the emergency, or his or her employing veterinarian or agency authorized under Section 4840.9, shall not be liable for any civil damages as the result of acts or omissions by a registered veterinary technician rendering the emergency care. This section shall not grant immunity from civil damages when the registered veterinary technician is grossly negligent.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 60, Sec. 26. Effective July 6, 1995.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


text:
(a) A registered veterinary technician who has been examined by the board in the area of radiation safety and techniques may operate radiographic equipment under the indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

(b) (1) A veterinary assistant who has been trained in the area of radiation safety and techniques may operate radiographic equipment under the direct supervision of a registered veterinary technician or a licensed veterinarian.

(2) The responsible managing licensee of a veterinary premises shall maintain records of the training described in paragraph (1). A veterinary assistant for whom records of this training do not exist shall not operate radiographic equipment.

(3) The training records described in paragraph (2) shall be made available to the board upon request and at the time of any inspection of the veterinary premises.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 239, Sec. 9. (AB 1839) Effective January 1, 2013.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


text: Registered veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants may be employed by any veterinarian licensed or authorized to practice in this state or by any governmental agency which employs veterinarians. However, the employer must be fully aware of the provisions of this article as stated by regulations adopted by the board pursuant to Section 4836.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 239, Sec. 10. (AB 1839) Effective January 1, 2013.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


citation: BPC § 4841

text: Any person performing any of the tasks designated by the board pursuant to Section 4836 and any person representing himself or herself as a registered veterinary technician in this state, shall hold a valid unexpired certificate of registration as provided in this article.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 60, Sec. 29. Effective July 6, 1995.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


text: This article shall not apply to students in a California veterinary technology program who perform the job tasks for registered veterinary technicians as part of their educational experience, including students both on and off campus acting under the direct supervision of a California licensed veterinarian, except that those students shall only administer controlled substances and perform drug compounding under the immediate supervision of a registered veterinary technician or California licensed veterinarian. For purposes of this section, “immediate supervision” means supervision by a person who is within audible and visual range of both the animal patient and the person being supervised.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 195, Sec. 13. (AB 1502) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a graduate of a recognized veterinary college shall not perform animal health care tasks otherwise performed by a registered veterinary technician unless the graduate has obtained licensure or registration as otherwise required under this chapter.

(b) If, on or before January 1, 2020, a graduate of a recognized veterinary college has performed animal health care tasks otherwise performed by a registered veterinary technician, the graduate shall discontinue performing such duties on or after January 1, 2020, unless the graduate is issued a license or registration as otherwise required under this chapter.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 571, Sec. 29. (SB 1480) Effective January 1, 2019.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


text:
(a) The board, by means of examination, shall determine the professional qualifications of all applicants who wish to register as veterinary technicians in California. A registration shall not be issued to anyone who has not demonstrated their competency by examination.

(b) The examination for veterinary technicians shall consist of a national licensing examination.

(c) For examination purposes, the board may make contractual arrangements on a sole source basis with organizations furnishing examination material as it may deem desirable and shall be exempt from Section 10115 of the Public Contract Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 195, Sec. 14. (AB 1502) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


text:
(a) To obtain registration as a registered veterinary technician, the applicant shall satisfy the following requirements:

(1) Complete and submit an application upon a form furnished by the board.

(2) Pay the applicable fees specified in Section 4905.

(3) Pursuant to Section 144, submit a full set of fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a criminal history record check and undergo a state and federal criminal offender record information search conducted through the Department of Justice, pursuant to subdivision (u) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code. The Department of Justice shall provide a state or federal response to the board pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (p) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code.

(4) Furnish satisfactory evidence of one of the following:

(A) Graduation from, at minimum, a two-year curriculum in veterinary technology, in a college or other postsecondary institution accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). In the case of a private postsecondary institution, the institution shall also be approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Proof of graduation shall be confirmed through electronic means or direct submission from the college, other postsecondary institution, or American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).

(B) A combination of education and clinical practice experience, as determined by the board. All education shall be accredited by the AVMA or the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, or approved by the BPPE.

(C) Graduation from a veterinary college recognized by the board. Proof of graduation shall be confirmed through electronic means or direct submission from the veterinary college or the AAVSB.

(D) Education equivalency certified by the AAVSB’s Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) for Veterinary Technicians. The certificate of education equivalence shall be confirmed through electronic means or direct submission from the American Association of Veterinary State Boards.

(E) Education equivalency certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) or PAVE. The certificate of education equivalence shall be confirmed through electronic means or direct submission from ECFVG or PAVE.

(5) Pass the national licensing examination for veterinary technicians. If the applicant passed the national licensing examination over five years from the date of submitting the veterinary technician registration application, the applicant shall perform one of the following:

(A) Retake and pass the national licensing examination.

(B) Submit proof of having practiced clinical veterinary medicine for a minimum of two years and completed a minimum of 2,500 hours of clinical practice in another state, Canadian province, or United States territory within the three years immediately preceding filing an application for licensure in this state.

(C) Complete the minimum continuing education requirements of Section 4858.2 for the current and preceding year.

(b) The applicant shall disclose each state, Canadian province, or United States territory in which the applicant currently holds or has ever held a license, registration, certificate, or permit to practice veterinary medicine. License verification, including any disciplinary or enforcement history, shall be confirmed through electronic means or direct submission from each state, Canadian province, or United States territory in which the applicant has identified that the applicant holds or has ever held a license to practice veterinary medicine.

(c) An application for veterinary technician registration shall be subject to denial pursuant to Sections 480 and 4883.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 195, Sec. 15. (AB 1502) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


citation: BPC § 4842

text:
The board may deny a registered veterinary technician application if the applicant has done any of the following:

(a) Committed any act that would be grounds for the suspension or revocation of registration under this chapter.

(b) While unregistered, committed, or aided and abetted the commission of, any act for which a certificate of registration is required by this chapter.

(c) Knowingly made any false statement in the application.

(d) Been convicted of a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions and duties of a registered veterinary technician.

(e) Committed any act that resulted in a revocation by another state of the applicant’s license, registration, or other procedure by virtue of which one is licensed or allowed to practice veterinary technology in that state.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 195, Sec. 16. (AB 1502) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


text: All funds collected by the board under this article shall be deposited in the California Veterinary Medical Board Contingent Fund.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 497, Sec. 61. (SB 1526) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


text:
(a) Each individual registered by the board shall biennially apply for renewal of his or her license or registration on or before the last day of the applicant’s birthday month. The application shall be made on a form provided by the board.

(b) The application shall contain a statement to the effect that the applicant has not been convicted of a felony, has not been the subject of professional disciplinary action taken by any public agency in California or any other state or territory, and has not violated any of the provisions of this chapter. If the applicant is unable to make that statement, the application shall contain a statement of the conviction, professional discipline, or violation.

(c) The board may, as part of the renewal process, make necessary inquiries of the applicant and conduct an investigation in order to determine if cause for disciplinary action exists.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 1007, Sec. 1.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


text: Every person registered by the board under this article who changes their mailing address shall notify the board of their new mailing address within 30 days of the change. The board shall not renew the registration of any person who fails to comply with this section unless the person pays the penalty fee prescribed in Section 4905. An applicant for the renewal of a registration shall specify in their application whether they have changed their mailing address and the board may accept that statement as evidence of the fact.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 28, Sec. 6. (SB 1380) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


text: Except as otherwise provided in this article, an expired certificate of registration may be renewed at any time within five years after its expiration on filing of an application for renewal on a form prescribed by the board, and payment of all accrued and unpaid renewal fees. If the certificate of registration is renewed more than 30 days after its expiration, the registrant, as a condition precedent to renewal, shall also pay the delinquency fee prescribed by this article. Renewal under this section shall be effective on the date on which the application is filed, on the date all renewal fees are paid, or on the date on which the delinquency fee, if any, is paid, whichever occurs last.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 306, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2002.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


citation: BPC § 4844

text:
A person who fails to renew his certificate of registration within five years after its expiration may not renew it, and it shall not be restored, reissued, or reinstated thereafter, but that person may apply for and obtain a new certificate of registration if:

(a) He or she is not subject to denial of registration under Section 480.

(b) No fact, circumstance, or condition exists which, if the certificate of registration were issued, would justify its revocation or suspension.

(c) He or she takes and passes the examination, if any, that would be required of him or her if he or she were then applying for a certificate of registration for the first time, or otherwise establishes to the satisfaction of the board that, with due regard for the public interest, he or she is qualified to be a registered veterinary technician.

(d) He or she pays all of the fees that would be required of him or her if he or she were applying for the certificate of registration for the first time.

The board may, by regulation, provide for the waiver or refund of all or any part of the examination fee when a certificate of registration is issued without an examination pursuant to this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 395, Sec. 12. (SB 1243) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


citation: BPC § 4845

text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the board may, in its sole discretion, issue a probationary registration to an applicant subject to terms and conditions deemed appropriate by the board, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) Continuing medical, psychiatric, or psychological treatment.

(2) Ongoing participation in a specified rehabilitation program.

(3) Abstention from the use of alcohol or drugs.

(4) Compliance with all provisions of this chapter.

(b) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and for purposes of this section, when deciding whether to issue a probationary registration, the board shall request that an applicant with a dismissed conviction provide proof of that dismissal and shall give special consideration to applicants whose convictions have been dismissed pursuant to Section 1203.4 or 1203.4a of the Penal Code.

(2) The board shall also take into account and consider any other reasonable documents or individual character references provided by the applicant that may serve as evidence of rehabilitation as deemed appropriate by the board.

(c) The board may modify or terminate the terms and conditions imposed on the probationary registration upon receipt of a petition from the applicant or registrant.

(d) For purposes of issuing a probationary license to qualified new applicants, the board shall develop standard terms of probation that shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) A three-year limit on the individual probationary registration.

(2) A process to obtain a standard registration for applicants who were issued a probationary registration.

(3) Supervision requirements.

(4) Compliance and quarterly reporting requirements.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2008, Ch. 675, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2009.)

article: 2.5. Registered Veterinary Technicians


citation: BPC § 4846

text:
(a) In order to obtain a license to practice veterinary medicine in California, an individual shall meet the following requirements:

(1) Graduate from a veterinary college recognized by the board or receive a certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) or the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE). Proof of graduation shall be directly submitted to the board by the veterinary college or from the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). Proof of certificate shall be directly submitted to the board by ECFVG or PAVE.

(2) Complete a board-approved license application.

(3) Pay the applicable fees specified in Section 4905.

(4) As directed by the board pursuant to Section 144, submit a full set of fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a criminal history record check and undergo a state and federal criminal offender record information search conducted through the Department of Justice, pursuant to subdivision (u) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code. The Department of Justice shall provide a state or federal response to the board pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (p) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code.

(5) Pass an examination consisting of the following:

(A) A licensing examination that is administered on a national basis. If the applicant passed the national licensing examination over five years from the date of submitting the California veterinarian license application, the applicant shall satisfy one of the following:

(i) Retake and pass the national licensing examination.

(ii) Submit proof of having practiced clinical veterinary medicine for a minimum of two years and completed a minimum of 2,500 hours of clinical practice in another state, Canadian province, or United States territory within the three years immediately preceding filing an application for licensure in this state.

(iii) Complete the minimum continuing education requirements of Section 4858.1 for the current and preceding year.

(B) A veterinary law examination administered by the board concerning the statutes and regulations of this chapter. The examination may be administered by regular mail, email, or by other electronic means. The applicant shall certify that the applicant personally completed the examination. Any false statement is a violation subject to Section 4831. Every applicant who obtains a score of at least 80 percent on the veterinary law examination shall be deemed to have passed. University of California and Western University of Health Sciences veterinary medical students who have successfully completed a board-approved course on veterinary law and ethics covering this chapter shall be exempt from this subparagraph.

(b) The applicant shall disclose each state, Canadian province, or United States territory in which the applicant currently holds or has ever held a license to practice veterinary medicine. License verification, including any disciplinary or enforcement history, shall be confirmed through electronic means or direct submission from each state, Canadian province, or United States territory in which the applicant has identified the applicant holds or has ever held a license to practice veterinary medicine.

(c) A veterinarian license application shall be subject to denial pursuant to Sections 480, 4875, and 4883.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 195, Sec. 20. (AB 1502) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 3. Issuance of Licenses

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 11. Veterinary Medicine > 3. Issuance of Licenses


text: If the veterinary college from which an applicant is graduated is not recognized by the board, the board shall have the authority to determine the qualifications of such graduates and to review the quality of the educational experience attained by them in an unrecognized veterinary college. The board shall have the authority to adopt rules and regulations to implement this provision.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1975, Ch. 265.)

article: 3. Issuance of Licenses


text: If the board finds in evaluating the graduate described in Section 4846.1 that such applicant is deficient in qualification or in the quality of his educational experience the board may require such applicant to fulfill such other remedial or other requirements as the board, by regulation, may prescribe.

article: 3. Issuance of Licenses


text:
(a) If an applicant fails to complete their application within one year after it has been filed, the application shall be considered abandoned and the application fee forfeited.

(b) An application submitted subsequent to the abandonment of the former application shall be treated as a new application.

(c) An applicant shall notify the board of any changes in mailing or employment address that occur after filing the application.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 631, Sec. 15. (AB 1535) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 3. Issuance of Licenses


text:
(a) A veterinarian engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine, as defined in Section 4826, employed by the University of California and engaged in the performance of duties in connection with the School of Veterinary Medicine or employed by the Western University of Health Sciences and engaged in the performance of duties in connection with the College of Veterinary Medicine shall be issued a university license pursuant to this section or hold a license to practice veterinary medicine in this state.

(b) An individual may apply for and be issued a university license if all of the following are satisfied:

(1) The applicant is currently employed by the University of California or Western University of Health Sciences, as defined in subdivision (a).

(2) The applicant passes an examination concerning the statutes and regulations of this chapter, administered by the board, pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 4846.

(3) The applicant completes and submits the application specified by the board and pays the application and the initial license fee, pursuant to Section 4905.

(c) A university license:

(1) Shall automatically cease to be valid upon termination or cessation of employment by the University of California or by the Western University of Health Sciences.

(2) Shall be subject to the license renewal provisions in Section 4900 and the payment of the renewal fee pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 4905.

(3) Shall be subject to denial, revocation, or suspension pursuant to Sections 480, 4875, and 4883.

(4) Authorizes the holder to practice veterinary medicine only at an educational institution described in subdivision (a) and any locations formally affiliated with those institutions.

(d) An individual who holds a university license is exempt from satisfying the license renewal requirements of Section 4858.1.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 195, Sec. 22. (AB 1502) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 3. Issuance of Licenses


citation: BPC § 4850

text: Every person holding a license under this chapter shall conspicuously display the license in his or her principal place of business.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 621, Sec. 80. Effective January 1, 2006.)

article: 3. Issuance of Licenses


citation: BPC § 4852

text: Every person holding a license issued under this chapter who changes his or her mailing address shall notify the board of his or her new mailing address within 30 days of the change. The board shall not renew the license of any person who fails to comply with this section unless the person pays the penalty fee prescribed in Section 4905. An applicant for the renewal of a license shall specify in his or her application whether he or she has changed his or her mailing address and the board may accept that statement as evidence of the fact.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 642, Sec. 20. Effective January 1, 1998.)

article: 3. Issuance of Licenses


citation: BPC § 4853

text:
(a) All veterinary premises shall be registered with the board. The certificate of registration shall be on a form prescribed in accordance with Section 164.

(b) “Premises” for purposes of this chapter shall mean the location of operation where veterinary medicine, veterinary dentistry, veterinary surgery, and the various branches thereof is being practiced and shall include a building, kennel, mobile unit, or vehicle. Mobile units and vehicles shall be exempted from independent registration with the board if they are operated from a building or facility that is the licensee manager’s principal place of business and the building is registered with the board, and the registration identifies and declares the use of the mobile unit or vehicle.

(c) The owner or operator of a veterinary premises shall submit a premises registration application to the board. The application shall set forth the name of each owner or operator of the premises, including the type of corporate entity, if applicable, the name of the premises, and the name of the responsible licensee manager who is to act for and on behalf of the registered premises. Substitution of the responsible licensee manager may be accomplished by application to the board if the following conditions are met:

(1) The person substituted qualifies by presenting satisfactory evidence that the person possesses a valid, unexpired, and unrevoked license as provided by this chapter and that the license is not currently under suspension.

(2) No circumvention of the law is contemplated by the substitution.

(d) If the owner or operator of a veterinary premises is a veterinary corporation practicing pursuant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 4910), the application shall set forth the names and titles of each officer, director, or shareholder. Any changes in the officers, directors, or shareholders shall be reported to the board within 30 days.

(e) If the owner or operator of a veterinary premises is a corporation or other artificial legal entity other than a veterinary corporation as provided under subdivision (d), the application shall set forth the names and titles of all owners, officers, general partners, if any, and the agent for service of process. Any changes in the owners, officers, general partners, or agent for service of process shall be reported to the board within 30 days.

(f) The premises registration is nontransferable. In the event of change of an owner or operator of the premises, the premises registration holder shall notify the board of the change within 30 days after the change.

(g) This section does not authorize any person, corporation, or artificial legal entity, other than a California-licensed veterinarian or a veterinary corporation practicing pursuant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 4910) and the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act (Part 4 (commencing with Section 13400) of Division 3 of Title 1 of the Corporations Code), to furnish to any person or animal patient any veterinary services, diagnosis, or treatment within the scope of California veterinarian licensure under this chapter. This section does not authorize any person, other than a California-licensed veterinarian within the scope of their license, to engage directly or indirectly in the practice of veterinary medicine, veterinary surgery, veterinary dentistry, and the various branches thereof in accordance with Section 4826. This section does not regulate, govern, or affect in any manner the practice of veterinary medicine, veterinary surgery, or veterinary dentistry by any person duly licensed to engage in such practice.

(h) The location where a veterinarian practices telehealth shall be exempt from the requirement that it be registered pursuant to this section if all of the following requirements are satisfied:

(1) The veterinarian does not perform in-person examination or treatment of animal patients at the location.

(2) No veterinary drug, medicine, appliance, or medical equipment is kept at the location.

(3) The veterinary medical records required pursuant to Sections 4855 and 4856 are created, maintained, and stored so as to protect the veterinary medical records from access by unauthorized individuals, damage, or loss.

(4) The following information shall be provided on any electronic publication, including any internet website, through which the veterinarian provides or offers to provide veterinary medical services:

(A) The veterinarian’s name, contact information, and California veterinarian license number, prominently displayed.

(B) Contact information and instruction for obtaining a copy of the animal patient’s medical records.

(C) A statement that a client may contact the Veterinary Medical Board if the client has any questions or complaints regarding the veterinarian.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 80, Sec. 5. (SB 1525) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 3. Issuance of Licenses


text: Each application to register a premises pursuant to Section 4853 shall be made on a form provided by the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 631, Sec. 21. (AB 1535) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 3. Issuance of Licenses


text: When it has been adjudicated in an administrative hearing that the licensee manager has failed to keep the premises and all equipment therein in a clean and sanitary condition as provided for in subdivision (h) of Section 4883, or is in violation of any of the provisions of Section 4854, the board may withhold, suspend, or revoke the registration of veterinary premises, or assess a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) per day until such violation has been rectified, or by both such suspension and fine. The total amount of any fine assessed pursuant to this section shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1980, Ch. 471, Sec. 8.)

article: 3. Issuance of Licenses


text:
(a) The board shall deny, suspend, or revoke registration of a veterinary premises if any of the following occur:

(1) The licensee manager set forth in the application in accordance with Section 4853 ceases to become responsible for management of the registered premises and no substitution of the responsible licensee manager has been made by application as provided for in Section 4853.

(2) The premises registration holder or the licensee manager has, under proceedings conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the license to practice veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry revoked or suspended.

(3) Unless licensed pursuant to Section 4825, the premises registration holder has practiced, influenced, or exerted control over the provision of veterinary medicine, veterinary dentistry, veterinary surgery, and the various branches thereof.

(b) The board shall not renew the premises registration if there is no licensee manager associated with the premises.

(c) The board may deny, suspend, or revoke registration of the veterinary premises for unlicensed practice of veterinary medicine, veterinary dentistry, veterinary surgery, and the various branches thereof by the premises registration holder.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 631, Sec. 22. (AB 1535) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 3. Issuance of Licenses


text:
A premise registration that is not renewed within five years after its expiration may not be renewed and shall not be restored, reissued, or reinstated thereafter. However, an application for a new premise registration may be submitted and obtained if both of the following conditions are met:

(a) No fact, circumstance, or condition exists that, if the premise registration was issued, would justify its revocation or suspension.

(b) All of the fees that would be required for the initial premise registration are paid at the time of application.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 484, Sec. 50. (SB 1193) Effective January 1, 2017.)

article: 3. Issuance of Licenses


citation: BPC § 4854

text: All premises where veterinary medicine, veterinary dentistry, or veterinary surgery is being practiced, and all instruments, apparatus and apparel used in connection with those practices, shall be kept clean and sanitary at all times, and shall conform to those minimum standards established by the board.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1978, Ch. 1314.)

article: 3. Issuance of Licenses


text: A premises registration holder who is not a California-licensed veterinarian pursuant to Section 4825 shall not interfere with, control, or otherwise direct the professional judgment of any California licensed veterinarian or registered veterinary technician. The board may require any information, including, but not limited to, employment contracts between the premises registration holder and a California-licensed veterinarian or registered veterinary technician, the board deems is reasonably necessary for the enforcement of this section.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 631, Sec. 23. (AB 1535) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 3. Issuance of Licenses


text:
(a) Every off-campus educational program site shall display in a conspicuous place a consumer notification specifying that the veterinary facilities are also being used for diagnosis and treatment of animals by graduate students enrolled in a veterinary medicine program.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 4831, or any other provision of law, a violation of subdivision (a) shall not be a crime.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 131, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2003.)

article: 3. Issuance of Licenses


citation: BPC § 4855

text:
(a) A veterinarian subject to the provisions of this chapter shall, as required by regulation of the board, keep a written record of all animals receiving veterinary services, and provide a copy of that record to the client or the client’s authorized agent within five days of receiving the client’s or the client’s authorized agent’s verbal or written request.

(b) If requested verbally or in writing by the client or the client’s authorized agent because the animal is in critical condition or direct transfer to another veterinary premises for medical care is recommended, the veterinarian, upon release of the animal patient from the veterinarian’s care, shall either:

(1) Provide a copy or summary of the written record to the client or the client’s authorized agent.

(2) If a written record is not available upon release of the animal patient, communicate information to facilitate continuity of care of the animal patient either to:

(A) The receiving veterinarian or veterinary premises.

(B) The client or the client’s authorized agent if the receiving veterinary premises is unknown.

(c) The minimum amount of information that shall be included in written records and summaries shall be established by the board.

(d) The minimum duration of time for which a registered veterinary premises shall retain the written record or a complete copy of the written record shall be determined by the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 195, Sec. 23. (AB 1502) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 3. Issuance of Licenses