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Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine
Handles the licensing of veterinarians. Their primary goal is to protect the public by ensuring that licensed veterinarians meet the necessary educational and examination standards. To learn more about the Board, see the page FAQs: Veterinary Medicine.
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 injured dogs or cats; and payment for services
MGL c. 140, § 174H Feline declawing prohibited with exception to therapeutic purposes (effective April 8, 2025)
MGL c. 272, § 80 1/2 Devoicing of dogs and cats
St. 2014, c. 293 An act protecting animal welfare and safety (PAWS)
Also known as the "Puppy Doe" law. The act includes penalties and reporting of animal abuse.
St. 2018, c. 219 An act to protect animal welfare and safety in cities and towns (PAWS II Act)
The act builds upon changes to the state’s animal cruelty laws made with passage of the PAWS (Protect Animal Welfare and Safety) Act in 2014.
Massachusetts regulations
256 CMR Rules and regulations governing veterinarians
Federal laws
21 U.S.C. § 822(e)(2) Persons required to register
A veterinarian can transport and dispense controlled substances in the course of practice outside of the registered location.
Selected cases
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."
Fitzgerald v. Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine, 399 Mass. 901 (1987)
"In proceedings before a hearing officer arising out of a matter referred to her by the Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine 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."
Web sources
Detailed discussion of veterinary malpractice, David S. Favre, 2002.
"This article provides a short history of the development of veterinary malpractice as a cause of action and also explores the elements of a malpractice suit."
The future of veterinary malpractice liability in the care of companion animals, by Christopher Green, 10 Animal L. 163 (2004).
"Investigates the factual bases of arguments from the veterinary community and of those that support increasing the malpractice liability of veterinarians."
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
Questions and answers include topics on continuing education; prescriptions, controlled substances, rabies, microchips and more.
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).”
Role of the veterinarian: Establishing protocols to identify and report suspected animal cruelty in Massachusetts
“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, Nolo, 2023.
Though not specific to Massachusetts, provides a great summary of veterinary malpractice and what is required to support a suit.
Print sources
Animal law: Welfare, interests, and rights by David S. Favre, Aspen Publishers, 2008.
Discusses animal rights, welfare, law and legislation. See index, "Veterinarians."
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.
LexisNexis practice guide: Massachusetts administrative law and practice, LexisNexis, annual. (2024 eBook available with library card)
Section 3.04: Hearings Before Administrative Agencies.
Massachusetts practice:
- vol. 17C (Prima facie case: proof and defense) 5th ed. West Pub., 2005 with supplement, Section 66.20
- vol. 41 (Appellate practice and procedure) 4th ed. Thomson Reuters, 2020 with supplement, Section 23.53
- vol. 51 (Professional malpractice) Thomson/West, 2007, Section 12.19
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.
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| Last updated: | March 11, 2025 |
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