The AVMA does not license veterinarians — state boards do

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is a professional membership organization, not a licensing body. It does not issue veterinary licenses, set licensing standards, or enforce discipline against veterinarians. That work belongs to state veterinary medical boards — one in each state, plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The AVMA's role is to represent the profession, set ethical guidelines, and accredit veterinary schools. It publishes the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics, which most state boards reference when writing their own rules. But the AVMA cannot revoke a license, fine a veterinarian, or prevent someone from practicing. Only your state board can do that.

This distinction matters because it determines who you contact if you have a complaint about a veterinarian's conduct. Complaining to the AVMA will not result in action — you must file with your state board instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Each state has its own veterinary medical board that issues licenses and enforces discipline; the AVMA is a professional organization that does not license anyone.
  • To practice as a veterinarian in any state, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and meet that state's specific requirements.
  • The AVMA accredits veterinary schools and publishes ethical standards, but state boards decide whether to adopt those standards as law.
  • If you have a complaint about a veterinarian's conduct, file it with your state veterinary medical board, not the AVMA.
  • Some states require continuing education hours each year to keep a license active; the AVMA does not enforce this, but state boards do.

How state veterinary boards license veterinarians

Each state board sets its own licensing requirements, though most follow a similar path. A veterinarian must graduate from an accredited veterinary school, pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), and meet any additional state-specific requirements — which may include a state jurisprudence exam, a certain number of hours in that state, or a background check.

The NAVLE is a standardized test administered by the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME), a separate organization. It is the same test across all states, but each state board decides the passing score and whether to accept it. Most states accept the NBVME's recommended passing score, but some set their own threshold.

Once licensed, a veterinarian must renew their license periodically — usually every one to three years, depending on the state. Many states require continuing education hours to renew. The state board tracks these hours and can deny renewal if a veterinarian does not meet the requirement.

What the AVMA actually does

The AVMA accredits veterinary schools in the United States and Canada. This means it reviews the curriculum, faculty, facilities, and student outcomes to may support the school meets national standards. Graduating from an AVMA-accredited school is a requirement in most states before you can sit for the NAVLE.

The AVMA also publishes the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics, which covers topics like informed consent, confidentiality, and the veterinarian-client relationship. State boards often adopt these principles or write their own rules based on them. However, the AVMA cannot enforce these principles — it has no power to investigate complaints or punish violations.

The AVMA maintains a membership directory and offers continuing education courses, liability insurance, and other professional services to members. Membership is voluntary and separate from licensure. You can be a licensed veterinarian without joining the AVMA, and you can be an AVMA member without being licensed (though most members are licensed).

State board discipline and complaints

If a veterinarian violates state law or professional standards, the state board can investigate and take action. Possible penalties include a warning, a fine, suspension of the license, or permanent revocation. The board holds hearings, reviews evidence, and makes decisions based on state veterinary practice law.

To file a complaint, contact your state veterinary medical board directly. You can usually find the board's website by searching "[your state] veterinary medical board" or by calling your state's professional licensing office. The board will ask for details about the incident, dates, and the veterinarian's name and location.

The AVMA does not investigate complaints or maintain a public database of disciplined veterinarians. However, the Federation of State Veterinary Medical Boards (FSMB) maintains the Veterinary Medical Regulatory Databank, which is a searchable database of veterinarians and any disciplinary actions taken against them by state boards. This is a public resource you can use to check a veterinarian's history.

Reciprocity and moving between states

A veterinary license is valid only in the state that issued it. If you move to another state, you must obtain a license in that state. Some states offer reciprocity, meaning they will issue a license without requiring you to retake the NAVLE if you are already licensed in another state and meet their other requirements. Other states require the NAVLE even if you are licensed elsewhere.

Reciprocity rules vary widely. Some states require a certain number of years of experience, proof of continuing education, or a state jurisprudence exam. A few states have no reciprocity agreement and require all applicants to pass the NAVLE, regardless of prior licensure.

The AVMA does not grant reciprocity or transfer licenses. You must contact the state board in the state where you want to practice and ask about their specific requirements for out-of-state applicants.

The difference between AVMA membership and state licensure

Licensure and AVMA membership are two separate things. Licensure is a legal requirement to practice veterinary medicine in a state — without it, you cannot legally diagnose, treat, or prescribe for animals. AVMA membership is voluntary and is a professional credential that signals you follow the organization's ethical standards and stay current with continuing education.

Most licensed veterinarians are AVMA members, but not all. Some veterinarians choose not to join because of cost, disagreement with the organization's positions, or straightforward because they do not need the services the AVMA offers. A veterinarian who is not an AVMA member is still fully licensed and legal to practice, as long as their state license is current.

The AVMA does not revoke membership for ethical violations — that is the state board's job. The AVMA can remove a member for non-payment of dues or other membership-related reasons, but this does not affect the veterinarian's state license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check if a veterinarian is licensed?

Yes. Visit your state veterinary medical board's website and search their licensee database, or use the Veterinary Medical Regulatory Databank maintained by the Federation of State Veterinary Medical Boards. Both are free and public. You can also call your state board directly and ask if a specific veterinarian is licensed.

What does AVMA accreditation mean for a veterinary school?

It means the school meets national standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, facilities, and student outcomes. Graduating from an AVMA-accredited school is required in most states before you can sit for the licensing exam. Accreditation does not may provide a job or a specific salary — it just confirms the school meets professional standards.

If a veterinarian is disciplined by their state board, does the AVMA remove them?

Not automatically. The AVMA does not monitor state board actions. However, if a veterinarian's license is revoked or suspended, they are no longer legally allowed to practice, and the AVMA may choose to remove them from membership. But the state board action is what matters legally.

Do I need to be an AVMA member to work as a veterinarian?

No. You only need a valid license from your state board. AVMA membership is optional. Many veterinarians join for professional development, networking, and liability insurance, but it is not required to practice.

What if I want to report a veterinarian to the AVMA?

Contact your state veterinary medical board instead. The AVMA is not a regulatory body and cannot investigate complaints. Your state board has the legal authority to investigate and take action if a veterinarian has violated state law or professional standards.