Veterinarians Licensing

Mission Statement

"The mission of the Board is to protect and enhance the health, safety, and welfare of animals and the public by licensing veterinary professionals and developing, promoting, maintaining and diligently enforcing high professional standards that govern such professionals."

Vision

A District in which all animals and the public are assured of exemplary veterinary care by compassionate professionals.

The DC Board of Veterinary regulates the practice of veterinarians, veterinary establishments. The Board evaluates applicants' qualifications; recommends regulations, standards, and procedures; and issues licenses. The Board also requests investigations, conducts hearings, implements disciplinary and/or remedial action where indicated, and prepares an annual report for the Mayor. Members file personal financial disclosure statements.

The Board consists of Seven members appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Council: two consumers, who are at least 18 of age, and five veterinarians licensed in DC, who are residents of DC and have practiced veterinary medicine in DC for a minimum of three years prior to appointment. Licenses expire on December 31 of odd years.

The Board accepts applications for licensure through national examination; waiver of national examination; reactivation of an inactive license; reinstatement of an expired, suspended, or revoked license, or by eminence pursuant to the Health Occupations Revision Act (HORA).

All applicants for licensure must establish, to the Board’s satisfaction, that they possess the appropriate skills, knowledge, judgment, and character to practice medicine in the District of Columbia. In addition, applicants must demonstrate to the Board that they are proficient in understanding and communicating medical concepts and information in English. 

The Board meets the 3rd Thursday of every month.