Veterinary board backs narrower owner-exemption language, sends legislative proposal to Legislature

The California Veterinary Medical Board voted on May 20 to send a legislative proposal to the California Legislature that narrows the owner-exemption provisions in the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act and adds a new definition for “rescue group,” board members said.

The proposal would amend Business and Professions Code section 4827 to limit the broad application of the owner exemption, reserve specific exemptions for owners and caretakers administering medications to their own animals when done pursuant to a written treatment plan and a valid veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR), and add a statutory definition of “rescue group.” The board’s Medical Doctor Committee (MDC) and subcommittees drafted the text following months of stakeholder meetings.

Board leaders said the change aims to reduce instances of unlicensed practice that the board and stakeholders described as occurring in rescues, some equine settings and reproductive-service businesses, while preserving limited owner and caretaker activities for animals under a VCPR.

MDC Chair Marie Asuri summarized the subcommittee’s outreach and edits, saying the draft was shaped by meetings with food-animal stakeholders, representatives of rescue groups, UC Davis faculty and equine interests. The proposal’s text was revised to allow protocols…