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 Washington State, veterinarians are licensed professionals regulated by the Washington State Department of Health, Veterinary Board of Governors. They must hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited institution and pass both national and state examinations to practice. Licensed veterinarians in Washington 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 (cattle, pigs, etc.). The scope of practice for veterinarians is defined by state statutes and regulations, which ensure that animal healthcare is delivered by qualified individuals to maintain public health and animal welfare.