A veterinarian is a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) and may provide vaccinations and other disease prevention treatments—and emergency care—for pet, equine, and food animal owners.
In Massachusetts, a veterinarian must be a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) to practice. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine oversees the licensing of veterinarians and ensures they meet the necessary education and examination requirements. Licensed veterinarians in MA are authorized to provide a range of medical services to animals, including vaccinations, disease prevention treatments, and emergency care. These services can be provided to various types of animals such as pets, equines (horses), and food animals (like cattle and pigs). The regulations are designed to ensure that animals receive professional and ethical care from qualified individuals. Additionally, veterinarians must adhere to state statutes and federal laws regarding animal welfare, controlled substances, and public health to maintain their license in good standing.