Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ section provides quick answers to common inquiries. For more detailed information, refer to the Veterinary Licensing Act and associated rules. While we strive to provide accurate and reliable guidance, users assume all responsibility for how this information is used. 

Types of frequently asked questions: 

• General Questions 
• Licensing and Renewal 
• Continuing Education (CE)
• Enforcement
• Practices and Procedures
• Additional Information

General Questions

Do you need to be a veterinarian to microchip an animal? 

• No, microchipping is not considered veterinary practice. 

Is there a markup limit for medications? 

• No, Texas does not regulate medication pricing. 

Can a veterinarian refuse to write a prescription? 

• Yes, veterinarians are not legally required to provide written prescriptions.

Licensing and Renewal

How do I obtain a Texas Veterinary, Equine Dental, or Veterinary Technician License? 

• Veterinarians:  
  Must pass the State Board Examination. Applications are available on the Application / Renewal webpage. Licenses are issued within 7 days of passing the exam. 
   
• Equine Dental Providers (EDP):  
  Complete the application, submit all required documents, and pass the State Board Examination. 
   
• Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT):  
  Submit the application, required documents, and fees, and pass the LVT State Board Exam. 
   

Does Texas offer temporary licenses? 

Yes, temporary and provisional licenses are available under specific conditions. Learn more in Rule 571.15. 
 

What are the different license statuses? 

• Active: Allows practice; requires annual renewal. 
• Inactive: Reduced fee; no practice allowed. 
• Retired: No fees; reactivation within one year possible; otherwise, re-licensing is required. 

How do I verify or update my license information? 

• Submit a Request for Letter of Good Standing with a $45 fee for verification. 
• Update your name using the Notice of Name Change Request Form. 
• Update your address using the Notice of Address Change Request Form.

When is my renewal due? 

• Renewals are due by the last day of your birth month. Late renewals incur penalties. 

Continuing Education (CE)

How many CE hours are required annually? 

• Veterinarians: 17 hours (carry-over up to 17 hours). 
• EDPs: 6 hours (carry-over up to 6 hours). 
• LVTs: 10 hours (carry-over up to 10 hours). 

When must CE hours be earned? 

• CE must be completed in the calendar year before renewal. 

Enforcement

How do I file a complaint? Will this answer be updated to the Salesforce complaints form? 

• Submit complaints using the official form via mail, fax, or email to complaint@veterinary.texas.gov. 

How do I pay an administrative penalty? 

• Payments can be made by check, money order, or cashier’s check payable to the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. 

Practice and Procedures

What is the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP)? 

• The PMP tracks controlled substances. Register and access it on the PMP registration page. Where does this link need to go (will inform how link label is written—we’re not using “here” links)? 
   

How do I dispose of expired substances or chemicals? 

• Contact the DEA or refer to Section 801.361 of the Veterinary Licensing Act. 

Do veterinarians need to display their license? 

• Yes, licenses must be displayed at the practice location. Renewal certificates are not required to be posted. 

How long must records be kept? 

• Patient Records: 3 years. 
• Rabies Vaccination Records: 5 years.