The Frequently Asked Questions are divided by category. Click the links below to jump to the desired category, or scroll through to read them all.
Investigative Division
Licensing
Premise
Investigative Division FAQs"What To Expect After A Complaint Is Filed". If violations of the Veterinary Practice Act are found, sanctions may be taken against the license.
Q: If I file a complaint, can I get my money back from the veterinarian? OR
My veterinarian keeps billing me for money I owe. OR I think my veterinarian charges too much. Can I file a complaint?
A: The AzVMEB has no jurisdiction over fees or fee disputes. The board does not award monetary damages, nor does it compel veterinarians to refund any monies. If you require further assistance in these matters, contact the Better Business Bureau or contact an attorney for legal advice.
Q: My veterinarian won't treat my pet until I pay him/her. Can I file a complaint?
OR I had a disagreement with my veterinarian, and now he/she won't see my pets. Is this unethical?
A: According to the Veterinary Practice Act, a veterinarian is free to choose whom he/she will serve. The AzVMEB has no jurisdiction over business practices.
Q: If I tell you my story, will you tell me if I should file a complaint?
A: The staff at this agency can not offer advice, legal or otherwise. Any person, at any time, may file a complaint if they believe there have been issues regarding medical care, ethics, or professional conduct of licensees.
Q: If I do file a complaint, is anything done about it?
A: Each and every complaint goes through the same process. All of the steps are outlined in the information
Q: How do I know that the AzVMEB isn't just protecting the veterinarians?
A: The mission of the AzVMEB is to protect the interests of the general public and the welfare of their pets. Each complaint goes through a rigorous investigation. Each Investigative case is reviewed by an Investigative Committee. Each Committee consists of 3 public members (who are not veterinarians), and two AZ licensed veterinarians. The case is also reviewed by the Board, which consists of 4 public members and 5 AZ licensed veterinarians. Meetings are held in accordance with the Open Meeting Law (A.R.S. 38-431.02).
Q: I want to file a complaint, but I don't want to reveal my name. How is that handled?
A: Although anonymous complaints can be accepted, it is important to realize that the case may be dismissed due to insufficient evidence. Adequate documentation and substantiation of allegations is essential in order to ensure a thorough investigation of the case.
Q: Can you tell me if my veterinarian has had complaints in the past? OR
Can you tell me if the facility I bring my pets to has had any complaints filed?
A: The database maintained at the Agency contains that information. You may determine how many complaints, if any, have been filed against any licensee. The date of the case, the allegations, the disposition of the case, and a very limited description of the case are available. If you require more detailed information, you may file a Public Records Request in order to review the case file. Any Public Information Request must be done in writing.
Complaints are usually filed against the individual veterinarian responsible for the care of the pet. Complaints involving staff, premises, records, or procedures are filed against the responsible veterinarian for that facility. The database is not cross-referenced by facility. You must provide the name of the veterinarian in order to obtain information on complaints. The database will provide the name of the responsible veterinarian for each facility.
Q: My pet died at the veterinary hospital. I want to file a complaint. Should I have an autopsy (necropsy) done on my pet? Where can I get one done?
A: Staff at the agency cannot advise you in this matter. However, it is important to remember that the more information available, the more thorough the investigation of the case. Information on available laboratories and procedures may be obtained via the Yellow Pages or at any veterinary facility.
Q: My pet requires a veterinary specialist. Can you refer me to one?
A: The AzVMEB cannot provide referrals. You may consult the Yellow Pages, or contact the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association (602-242-7936), who may have a list of members and their specialties. Remember, this may not be a complete listing, as membership in the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association is voluntary.
Q: I need clarification on a statute or rule. Can you help me? OR
Where can I get a copy of the Statutes and Rules?
A: Staff cannot interpret the Statutes and Rules for you. You will need to consult with an attorney. The Statutes and Rules are available on line on our links page, or by sending a written request with five dollars to the AzVMEB 1400 W. Washington Room 240, Phoenix, AZ 85007.
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Licensing FAQs
Q: When does my license expire? I did not receive a renewal notice.
A: All licenses expire at the end of every even-numbered year. Renewal notices are mailed out in November of every even-numbered year.
Q: I am trying to locate a specific doctor, can you tell me where he/she works?
A: Yes, provided the Board Office has been given the applicant's most current employment information.
Q: I need to report a change of address: may I give it to you over the phone or does it need to be in writing?
A: Statutorily, all changes of address are required to be in writing. It can be sent by regular mail, faxed, or an email can be sent to Deb.Turner@vetboard.az.gov. Or you can use the Address Verification Form located under Verifications.
Q: Do you give a veterinary examination? If so, what kind of examination is it?
A: Yes, we administer a veterinary examination. It is a written, multiple choice examination. It consists of questions pertaining to the Arizona Revised Statutes and Administrative Rules as well as veterinary medicine specific to the Arizona area.
Q: Do you provide study materials for the veterinary examination?
A: Yes. We provide you with a copy of the Arizona Revised Statutes and Administrative Rules to assist you in preparing for the jurisprudence part of the examination. No study materials are provided for the clinical part.
Q: What is the date of the next veterinary examination? How often is it administered?
A: The veterinary state examination is administered monthly, generally on the Friday before the Board Meeting, which is held the third Wednesday of the month.
Q: I want to become a certified veterinary technician; what is required?
A: An applicant must meet one of two requirements in order to apply to become certified: Have an Associate of Applied Science Degree from a school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association or work for a minimum of two years (full time) under an AZ-licensed veterinarian in the State of Arizona. If an applicant works part time, he/she would be required to work a minimum of 4160 hours prior to applying.
Q: What is the date of the next veterinary technician examination? How often is it administered?
A: The veterinary technician examination is administered twice a year in January and June.
Q: Is this the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association?
A: No. This is the Arizona Veterinary Medical Examining Board. We license veterinarians and veterinary premises and certify technicians.
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Premise FAQs
Q: Do I need to have the premise application into the Board office before I open my premise?
A: Yes, the application and fee need to be into the Board office prior to opening the premise to the public.
Q: When will I be inspected for my premise license?
A: A premise inspection is conducted after your premise application has been received by the Board and you are currently seeing clients. The time frame needs to be such that a premise inspection can be conducted when you have seen some clients and still be prior to the 90 days time limit where the inspection results and application can be presented to the Board for approval. The Board meetings are only conducted on the third Wednesday of each month.
Q: When will I receive my renewal certificate after paying the renewal fees?
A: The renewal certificates are sent out in January and early February.
Q: Do I need to be present when my application and inspection report are presented at the Board meetings?
A: No, but you are always welcome to attend.
Q: If I have a complaint against me, whom do I call?
A: The Chief Medical Investigator would be able to take your complaint.
Q: May I fax my premise application?
A: No, the original premise application form must be submitted to the Board office and the Premise fee must be received for the premise application to be complete.
Q: What information is sent to the licensee upon request of an application?
A: A cover letter, a premise application and the premise inspection form. After inspection, a completed premise inspection copy is left at the inspected premise.
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