Laws & Rules

Texas Veterinary Regulations

The Texas Veterinary Licensing Act and Administrative Code govern the practice of veterinary medicine and equine dentistry in Texas.

Veterinary Licensing Act

The Texas Veterinary Licensing Act defines the practice of veterinary medicine as:

• Diagnosing, treating, or preventing animal diseases, deformities, or injuries.
• Prescribing or administering drugs, biologics, or therapeutic substances.
• Using titles or representations to imply authorization to practice veterinary medicine.

Read the full Act from the Texas Statutes website.

Administrative Code Sections 571–577

• Chapter 571: Licensing
• Chapter 573: Rules of Professional Conduct
• Chapter 575: Practice and Procedure
• Chapter 577: General Administration and Duties

Proposed Rule Changes

Proposed rule changes are posted for public review and comment.

Submit Public Comments

Send feedback to openrecords@veterinary.texas.gov.

Search Proposed Rules

Visit the Texas Secretary of State website.

Legal Disclaimer

For amendments not yet posted by the Secretary of State, the Board will provide the text of those rules on this website. Use your browser’s back button to return to this site from external links.

Statutes Affecting Veterinarians

Veterinarians in Texas are subject to various statutes beyond the Veterinary Licensing Act. The following is a non-exhaustive list of state statutes that may impact veterinarians. Federal laws and administrative rules issued by federal and state agencies may also apply. 

For detailed information, consult the Texas Legislature’s website, your local public library, or the relevant state agency. 

Types of codes and statutes:

• Agricultural Code
• Code of Criminal Procedure
• Health and Safety Code
• Insurance Code
• Civil Statutes
• Parks and Wildlife Code

Agricultural Code

Animal Health Commission

• § 76.117: No license required for some pesticide uses.
• § 161.065: Permits for moving quarantined animals.
• § 161.085: Rules for animal health certificates and authorized veterinarians.
• § 161.101: Reporting requirements for specified diseases.
• § 161.102: Specimens from anthrax-related deaths must be submitted.
• § 161.145: Criminal offense for failing to report diseased animals.
• § 162.004–162.011: Requirements for tuberculosis testing and related penalties.

Code of Criminal Procedure

• Art. 18.18: Guidelines for destroying dogs used in dog fights.

Health and Safety Code

Department of Public Safety/Health Department

• § 81.042: Report communicable diseases to local health authorities.
• §§ 481.001–484.005: Rules for prescribing and dispensing dangerous drugs and controlled substances.
• §§ 822.003, 822.046: Regulations for destruction and handling of dogs.
• § 823.003: Veterinarian inspections for animal shelters.
• §§ 826.021–826.0451: Rabies vaccine administration, quarantine, and reporting requirements.

Insurance Code

• Art. 5.15-1: Regulation of professional liability insurers.

Civil Statutes

• Art. 179e: Duties of veterinarians in the Texas Racing Act.
• Arts. 1528n & 1528e: Allow veterinarians to form professional LLCs and corporations.
• Art. 8891: Responsibilities for abandoned animals in veterinarian care.

Parks and Wildlife Code

Parks and Wildlife Department

• § 62.015: Possession of exotic animal carcasses by veterinarians.
• § 62.106: Veterinarian-performed euthanasia for dangerous wild animals.
• § 68.010: Annual inspections by veterinarians for commercial propagation permits.