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 Tennessee, veterinarians are licensed professionals regulated by the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. As Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVMs), they 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 pets, equine (horses), and food animals (such as cattle, pigs, and chickens). To practice veterinary medicine in Tennessee, veterinarians must obtain a license from the state board, which requires meeting educational requirements, passing a national exam (the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination), and adhering to state-specific regulations. Continuing education is also required to maintain licensure. The regulations ensure that veterinarians provide competent and ethical care to animals, and they are subject to disciplinary actions if they fail to comply with professional standards.