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Veterinary Medical Board reports faster licensing, higher inspections and enforcement — shelters and advocates urge caution on owner‑exemption changes
Summary
The California Veterinary Medical Board described process improvements, expanded inspection capacity and new technology tools at a joint sunset hearing while stakeholders urged narrow changes to the owner exemption, raised concerns about compounding medication access and asked for greater alignment with prosecutors on animal‑welfare cases.
The California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) told joint Assembly and Senate committees it has improved licensing and enforcement operations, adopted a new strategic plan and launched a mobile inspection app after receiving a grant, while stakeholders at the hearing urged narrow, targeted changes to the owner‑exemption law and raised concerns about access to compounded medications and prosecution of animal‑welfare cases.
Board president Dr. Maria Salasito and Executive Officer Jessica Seiferman presented accomplishments since the last sunset review, including integration with the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) for electronic exam results, faster exam‑score reporting, process changes that increased inspections and complaint closures, and a $600,000 grant for a mobile inspection application launched in November 2024.
What the board reported
- Licensing process and examinations: The board implemented electronic transfers of exam results through AAVSB, expanded opportunities for veterinary technician students to sit for national exams, and shortened score‑reporting times from up to six weeks to under one week. - Enforcement and inspections: The VMB merged inspection and enforcement units, added screening consultants and subject‑matter expert roundtables and reported a 343% increase in inspections and a 262% increase in closed complaints compared to pre‑merge levels. - Mobile inspection app: The board said a $600,000 California Department of Technology grant enabled a mobile inspection application launched in November 2024 that should accelerate inspections and recordkeeping.
Stakeholder concerns and the owner exemption
A major focus of testimony from public commenters and legislators was the statutory “owner exemption,” a broad provision that allows owners to provide certain care to animals in their possession. The board said the exemption was originally intended for livestock and food animals but is being used in some cases in ways that raise animal‑welfare concerns — for example, rescue groups or individuals performing surgeries or procedures in nonclinical settings.
- Shelters and rescues: Shelter representatives asked the board to avoid overly broad changes that would remove necessary flexibility for shelters and rescue organizations to perform basic preventative care or urgent procedures. - Producers and ranchers: Legislators asked for clarification that animal husbandry and standard farm practices (vaccinations, artificial insemination for livestock) remain permitted under a narrowed owner exemption intended to target nonclinical, harmful practices.
Compounded medications and supply issues
Multiple speakers, including stakeholders and the board, said veterinarians face growing difficulty obtaining certain compounded medications and supplies; the VMB said it is coordinating with the California State Board of Pharmacy and the Department of Food and Agriculture for information and response.
Telehealth and standard of care
The board said it has adopted FAQ guidance on the law governing telehealth (AB 1399 was referenced during discussion) and is auditing complaints to determine whether telehealth met the standard of care. The board plans to propose clearer statutory definitions (telehealth, teletriage, teleconsultation) to reduce confusion among practitioners.
Fiscal and operational notes
Board members told the committees they have a statutory cap on reserves (10 months) that constrains their ability to manage large enforcement expenses. The board said it plans stakeholder engagement on potential fee adjustments and will pursue public meetings and subcommittee work to develop proposals.
Public testimony
Veterinary associations, animal shelters, rescue groups, certified groomers and representatives of animal‑rehabilitation providers addressed the committee. Comments ranged from support for retaining the board and adding a registered veterinary technician seat to the board, to calls for narrowly written changes to the owner exemption, better prosecution of animal‑welfare crimes, and clearer paths for allied practitioners (animal physical therapists, chiropractors) to work under veterinary supervision.
Ending note: The VMB said it will continue outreach, pursue targeted regulatory and statutory changes to protect animals and ensure access to care, and work with law enforcement and pharmacies to address medication‑supply and prosecution gaps.
