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 Rhode Island, a veterinarian must be a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) to practice. The Rhode Island Veterinary Practice Act regulates the licensure and practice of veterinary medicine in the state. Licensed veterinarians 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, equine (horses), and food animals (such as cattle, pigs, and chickens). The Rhode Island Board of Veterinary Medicine, under the Department of Health, oversees the licensing of veterinarians and ensures that they meet the necessary educational and professional standards to practice veterinary medicine in the state.