***COVID 19 UPDATES***
OVID-19 Guidances and Best Practices
For the most up to date information on the District's response to COVID-19, including information on best practices, licensure waivers, and recommended guidelines, go to coronavirus.dc.gov.
Closure of Walk-In Services
Due to ongoing efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19, effective immediately, the Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA) is implementing a 100% telework policy and will be available for mail services only. No walk-ins or appointments are allowed. If you are already in contact with a Health Licensing Specialist (HLS), please forward any documents to said HLS via email.
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 Medicine 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 five members appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Council: one consumer member, who are at least 18 of age, one veterinary technician member and three 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 every 3rd Thursday of every month.
If you need to update your address and contact information on file, please email our office: [email protected]
(The open session starts at 9:30am and is open to the public).
Board of Veterinary Medicine Open Session Meeting Minutes [PDF]
Board of Veterinary Medicine Monthly Meeting and Open Session Board Agenda
Veterinary Application Package
Reinstatement: To reinstate your expired license, please call the Board of Veterinary Medicine at (202) 535-2323.
Board of Veterinary Medicine Members
Verification of Application Status
Search for a Health Professional
Board of Veterinary Medicine Newsletter
DC Municipal Regulations for Veterinary Medicine
Policy Statement on Identifying Public Health Issues for Continuing Education
Euthanizing Abandoned Animals Policy Statement [PDF]
Complaint Review and Investigations Process [PDF]
Request Verification of a License
Reporting a Name or Address Change
[PDF] This document is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF). A PDF reader is required for viewing. Download a PDF Reader or learn more about PDFs.