Frequently Asked Questions

Providing Veterinary Services

The North Carolina Veterinary Practice Act prohibits an individual not licensed by North Carolina as a veterinarian from delivering veterinary services. The law provides that if an individual practices, or attempts to practice veterinary medicine, without being licensed by the N.C. Board, constitutes a Class I criminal law misdemeanor.

The penalty for the unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine is set forth in General Statute 90-187.12. Further, such act of unlicensed practice can provide the basis for the Board to file a lawsuit seeking civil injunction against the person(s) in the Superior Courts of this State.

Ownership of Veterinary Practices

Only a North Carolina licensed veterinarian can own and operate a veterinary practice facility and deliver services to the public. Welfare groups, humane societies, or other entities cannot operate, and are not able to own veterinary practice facilities in North Carolina. Any advertising, or promotions suggesting that someone or entity owns a veterinary practice other than a North Carolina licensed veterinarian would be considered in violation of the Veterinary Practice Act.

Welfare groups, humane societies, or other entities are not authorized by law to engage in the delivery of veterinary medical services to the public.

Maintaining and Ownership of Records

Veterinarians must maintain patient records for a period of three years. These records would include written notations, computerized or digital data, radiographs and laboratory reports. Clients often contact the Board office seeking help in obtaining a copy of their medical records. The owner of the patient or group of animals is entitled to a copy of the patient or animals medical records. The veterinarian or practice to which a request for copies is made shall respond within a reasonable time and may charge a reasonable cost of those copies, relating to time and expense of reproduction.

In the February 7, 2002 Presidents letter, the Board established the policy when answering questions concerning medical records. All documentation that comprises a medical record, including written notations, computerized or digital data, radiographs and laboratory reports are the property of the veterinary practice. However, the owner of the patient or group of animals is entitled to a copy of the patient or animals medical records.

Prescription Issue

In March 1996, N.C. Assistant Attorney General Kip Sturgis contacted the Board by letter as a result of complaints received by the Attorney Generals office concerning veterinarians and prescriptions. In that letter Mr. Sturgis summarized his office concerns as followed, the first on medically unjustified restraint of competition in the market for veterinary medicine. The second is directed to the ethics of these anticompetitive practices that not only place the veterinarians commercial interest in direct conflict with the animals owner, but may also undermine the veterinarians professional purpose to promote animal health by foreseeably leading some owners to delay or forego veterinary treatment of their animals. The third, reflected by complaints both agencies have received, focuses on the damage these practices have on the publics perception of veterinarians professionalism.

If a veterinarian based upon his or her medical opinion is willing to dispense medication, then they (veterinarians) must also provide a prescription, in place of said medication, should the owner request a prescription. If a veterinarian based upon his or her medical opinion not be willing to dispense medication, than it would also be appropriate to deny a request for a prescription.

Use of Term Veterinary Technician

General Statute reserves the term Veterinary Technician, Registered Veterinary Technician, or Technician for a person that has graduated from an AVMA, (American Veterinary Medical Association) accredited program in veterinary technology, is registered with this Board, and maintains that registration. In the state of North Carolina if a person is not registered as a veterinary technician, to directly, or indirectly, imply such is a misrepresentation to the public.

Fees Relating to Veterinary Medicine

Fees are not addressed in the North Carolina Veterinary Practice Act or Administrative Code. As such the Board has no authority to set/regulate fees or the jurisdiction to settle monetary disputes.

Abandonment of Animals

G.S. 90-187.7. States that an animal placed in the custody of a licensed veterinarian for treatment, boarding, or other care, and unclaimed by its owner or agent after written notice by registered, certified mail, or return receipt requested, to owner or his agents last known address. Animals can be deemed abandoned, 10 days after, the date, received notice from the Postmaster. The giving of notice to the owner or agent of the owner, of such animals by the licensed veterinarian shall relieve the licensed veterinarian and any custodian to whom such animal may be given of any further liability for disposal.

Animals abandoned may be turned over to the nearest humane society, animal control, or disposed of as custodian may deem proper.

Rabies Vaccine Information

Who may administer rabies vaccines?

In North Carolina only Licensed Veterinarians and Certified Rabies Vaccinators (in their appointed county only) may administrator Rabies vaccines.

GS130A‑185. Vaccination of all dogs and cats.

(a) The owner of every dog and cat over four months of age shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies. The time or times of vaccination shall be established by the Commission. Rabies vaccine shall be administered only by a licensed veterinarian or by a certified rabies vaccinator.

(b) Only animal rabies vaccine licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture and approved by the Commission shall be used on animals in this State. (1935, c. 122, s. 1; 1941, c. 259, s. 2; 1953, c. 876, s. 2; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1983, c. 891, s. 2.)

How long is a rabies vaccine good for?

NCAC 10A-41G .0101

(a) When rabies vaccine is administered by a certified rabies vaccinator to a dog or cat, the dog or cat shall be re‑vaccinated annually.

(b) When rabies vaccine is administered by a licensed veterinarian to a dog or cat, the dog or cat shall be re‑vaccinated one year later and every three years thereafter, if a rabies vaccine licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a three‑year vaccine is used. Annual re‑vaccination shall be required for all rabies vaccine used other than the U.S. Department of Agriculture three‑year vaccine. However, when a local board of health adopts a resolution stating that in order to control rabies and protect the public health annual vaccination is necessary within the area over which they have jurisdiction, then the dog or cat must be vaccinated annually regardless of the type vaccine used, until the resolution is repealed.

The possession and distribution of rabies vaccine.

GS130A‑191. Possession and distribution of rabies vaccine.

It shall be unlawful for persons other than licensed veterinarians, certified rabies vaccinators and persons engaged in the distribution of rabies vaccine to possess rabies vaccine. Persons engaged in the distribution of vaccines may distribute, sell and offer to sell rabies vaccine only to licensed veterinarians and certified rabies vaccinators. (1987, c. 218.)

Appointment and certification of certified rabies vaccinator.

GS130A‑186. Appointment and certification of certified rabies vaccinator.

In those counties where licensed veterinarians are not available to participate in all scheduled county rabies control clinics, the local health director shall appoint one or more persons for the purpose of administering rabies vaccine to animals in that county. Whether or not licensed veterinarians are available, the local health director may appoint one or more persons for the purpose of administering rabies vaccine to animals in their county and these persons will make themselves available to participate in the county rabies control program. The State Public Health Veterinarian shall provide at least four hours of training to those persons appointed by the local health director to administer rabies vaccine. Upon satisfactory completion of the training, the State Public Health Veterinarian shall certify in writing that the appointee has demonstrated a knowledge and procedure acceptable for the administration of rabies vaccine to animals. A certified rabies vaccinator shall be authorized to administer rabies vaccine to animals in the county until the appointment by the local health director has been terminated. (1935, c. 122, s. 3; 1941, c. 259, s. 3; 1953, c. 876, s. 3; 1957, c. 1357, s. 4; 1983, c. 891, s. 2.)

Contact the N.C. Department of Epidemiology at 919 707-5900 for more information

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