About the Board

What is the California Veterinary Medical Board?

The California Veterinary Medical Board (CVMB) has been regulating veterinary medicine in the State of California since 1893. Pursuant to Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 4800.1, the CVMB is a governmental agency whose mission is to protect all California consumers and animals by regulating licensees, promoting professional standards, and enforcing the California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act (Act).

The CVMB fulfills its mission by developing, maintaining, and enforcing professional standards including licensing veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians (RVTs), veterinary assistant controlled substances permit holders (VACSPs) and veterinary premises.

The CVMB is comprised of nine members: four licensed veterinarians, at least one of whom practices in equine or livestock care, or both, two RVTs, and three public members. (BPC, § 4800.) Additionally, the CVMB's Multidisciplinary Advisory Committee (MDC) assists, advises, and makes recommendations on laws and regulations to ensure administration and enforcement of the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act. (BPC, § 4809.8.) Both the CVMB and MDC hold public meetings at least four times per calendar year.

CVMB staff handle day-to-day functions of the CVMB, that includes consumer outreach, licensing, enforcement, and veterinary premises inspections.

Licensing

The CVMB Licensing Unit processes license applications and assists applicants and current licensees with issues or concerns with their application or license. The Licensing Unit can be contacted by sending an email to: VMB@dca.ca.gov.

Wellness Program

The CVMB Wellness Program was developed to identify and rehabilitate licensed veterinary professionals whose competency is impaired due to the abuse of drugs and/or alcohol. (BPC, § 4860.) The Wellness Program is designed so that impaired veterinary professionals can be counseled, guided to appropriate treatment, and returned to practice in a manner that will not endanger public health or safety. For more information about the Wellness Program, please contact the Program's administrator, Premier Health Group, directly at 1-800-522-9198.

Enforcement

The CVMB Enforcement Unit investigates complaints submitted to the CVMB, analyzes potential violations of the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, performs veterinary premises inspections, and monitors current probationers.

Complaint Investigations

The Enforcement Unit processes incoming complaints from consumers and veterinary professionals and conducts investigations regarding these complaints. If it is determined that further information is needed, the Enforcement Unit staff may contact the complainant to request additional information and / or evidence.

The CVMB may conduct an inspection of a veterinary premises and contact involved parties to investigate the complaint further. (BPC, § 4809.5.) If the complaint is within the CVMB's jurisdiction and violations of the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act and supporting regulations are found, the CVMB may educate or issue a citation with a fine to the licensee or, in egregious cases, suspend or revoke the license. All complaints to the CVMB should be submitted through BreEZe.

To contact the Enforcement Unit, please send an email to: VMB@dca.ca.gov.