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 West Virginia (WV), veterinarians are licensed professionals regulated by the West Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine. 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 various types of animals such as pets, equine (horses), and food animals (like cattle and pigs). To practice veterinary medicine in WV, veterinarians must obtain a license from the state board, which requires meeting educational requirements, passing a national examination, and adhering to professional and ethical standards. The state statutes and regulations governing veterinary practice ensure that veterinarians provide care that meets established standards to protect animal health and welfare.