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Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine
Handles the licensing of veterinarians and serves to protect the public by ensuring that licensed veterinarians meet the necessary educational and examination standards. Includes:
File a complaint
File a complaint against a licensed veterinarian, Division of Occupational Licensure.
If you feel a veterinarian has violated the standards of professional conduct, you can file a complaint with the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure.
Massachusetts laws
MGL c. 13, §§ 26-28 Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine
MGL c. 112, §§ 54-60 Licensing, registering and disciplining of veterinarians
MGL c. 140, § 151B Emergency treatment of dogs or cats injured on ways; payment to veterinarians
MGL c. 140, § 174H Cat declawing procedures prohibited; exceptions; reporting; penalties; enforcement
MGL c. 272, § 80 1/2 Devocalization of dogs or cats; definitions; penalty; exceptions; records
Massachusetts regulations
256 CMR Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine regulations
Federal laws
21 U.S.C. § 822(e)(2) Persons required to register—Separate registration (Controlled substances)
Veterinarians do not need a separate registration to transport and dispense controlled substances at a site other than their registered place of business as part of their usual course of veterinary practice. However, the site of transporting and dispensing must be "located in a state where the veterinarian is licensed to practice veterinary medicine and is not a principal place of business or professional practice."
Selected cases
Fitzgerald v. Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine, 399 Mass. 901 (1987)
In a case concerning a veterinarian's alleged improper treatment of an injured dog, "the hearing officer, in construing and applying the terms 'malpractice,' 'gross misconduct,' and 'conduct reflecting unfavorably on the profession of veterinary medicine,' as those terms are used in G. L. c. 112, Sections 59 and 61, correctly looked to the general standards of ethics and practice which are adhered to in the profession of veterinary medicine."
Kippenberger v. Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine, 448 Mass. 1035 (2007)
"Substantial evidence supports the board's decision that Kippenberger's treatment of each of the dogs failed to meet the acceptable standard of veterinary care. Kippenberger's treatment ranged from performing unnecessary surgery to misdiagnoses to neglect. Kippenberger's assertions in his defense are either unsupported by the record or insubstantial. Even if, for example, the board incorrectly stated that Kippenberger had failed to offer any defense of his care for one of the dogs, substantial evidence still supports the final assessment that Kippenberger's care of that dog was substandard."
Roman v. Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine, 495 Mass. 1044 (2025)
"Contrary to Roman's argument, the board did not abuse its discretion by considering her prior disciplinary history in aggravation merely because her prior misconduct was different in kind from that at issue here. In the circumstances of this case, the board properly found that Roman's history evidenced a pattern of failing to comply with the requirements of her profession. The board did not abuse its considerable discretion by suspending Roman's license for two years."
Web sources
Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association
"For the advancement and protection of the veterinary medical profession in Massachusetts by promoting the betterment of animal health and well-being, enhancing the human-animal bond, safeguarding public health, supporting legislative advocacy and providing excellence in continuing education." Includes:
- Frequently asked questions about continuing education, prescriptions, controlled substances, rabies, microchips and more
- Latest news and updates
Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association)
“All veterinarians are expected to adhere to a progressive code of ethical conduct known as the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics (PVME).”
Reporting animal cruelty: The role of the veterinarian: Establishing protocols to identify and report suspected animal cruelty in Massachusetts, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, et al., 2018.
“The purpose of this manual is to provide explanations of law and supporting materials so, as a veterinarian, you can develop protocols for your clinic or practice which can guide your actions should you or others face a suspected or known case of animal neglect, cruelty, or abuse.”
Veterinary malpractice lawsuits: How to sue a vet for negligence, Nolo, 2025.
Though not specific to Massachusetts, provides a detailed summary of veterinary malpractice and what is required to support a suit.
Print sources
Animal law in a nutshell, 3rd ed., West Academic Publishing, 2021.
See index: "Veterinary."
Causes of action against veterinarian for veterinary malpractice, 38 COA 2d 173.
Criticism and disparagement of veterinarian’s or animal trainers’ competence, or conduct, as defamation, 2 ALR 6th 657.
Litigation concerning veterinary medical malpractice, 123 Am. Jur. Trials 305.
LexisNexis practice guide: Massachusetts administrative law and practice, LexisNexis, annual. (eBook available with library card)
Section 3.04: Hearings Before Administrative Agencies.
Veterinarians, 24B AmJur Pleading and Practice Forms Annotated, Sections 1-60.
Veterinarians, 78 AmJur 2d, Sections 1-14.
Veterinarian's liability for malpractice, 71 ALR4th 811.
Veterinary malpractice actions, 90 AmJur Proof of Facts 3d, Section 1.
Massachusetts practice:
vol. 17C (Prima facie case: proof and defense) 5th ed. West Pub., 2005 with supplement.
Section 66.20: Veterinarians.
vol. 41 (Appellate practice and procedure) 4th ed. Thomson Reuters, 2020 with supplement.
Section 23.53: Appeals from boards of registration suspension or revocation of professional license.
vol. 51 (Professional malpractice) Thomson/West, 2007.
Section 12.19: Veterinarians.
Contact
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| Last updated: | June 10, 2026 |
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