Complaints and Investigations

 
If you have a problem with a veterinarian or clinic the Board suggests that you first talk to the veterinarian. Many problems can be settled easily and satisfactorily by talking to the veterinarian in charge.  
 
If your complaint cannot be satisfied by direct communication with your veterinarian or if you are uncomfortable talking to your veterinarian, then you may want to file a complaint with the Board by completing our Complaint Investigation Form. Please be aware the Board has no jurisdiction over the amount of fees charged or fee disputes. However, if requested by the complainant on the Board's Complaint Form at the time the complaint is submitted, the Board may order the licensee to reimburse the fees paid by the pet owner or on their behalf.
 
The agency also handles complaints against animal crematories. The Complaint Form can be used for this type of complaint also.
 
Upon receipt of the complaint, the complaint is logged and you (the complainant) will be notified of the Agency’s receipt of the complaint and will be given an assigned case number. The respondent (the veterinarian the complaint is filed against) is sent a copy of the complaint. Once a case is opened, it must go through the entire process and cannot be withdrawn. The case will then pass through three distinct divisions of the Agency:
  1. Investigative Division - Staff of the Agency.
  2. Investigative Committee – An Investigative body that is comprised of 3 veterinarians and 2 public members, all of who volunteer their time and receive no remuneration.
  3. Veterinary Board – An adjudicating body comprised of 5 veterinarians and 3 public members and 1 certified veterinary technician, all of whom are appointed by the Governor to serve a 4-year term.

PLEASE BE SURE TO IDENTIFY A VETERINARIAN OR CERTIFIED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN WHO IS THE SUBJECT OF THE COMPLAINT.  YOU CANNOT FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A VETERINARY HOSPITAL/CLINIC!  If you do not know the person's name, please call the veterinary facility or our office for assistance.

IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT ABOUT MORE THAN ONE VETERINARIAN, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A COMPLAINT FORM FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL.

COMPLAINT FORMS MAY BE MAILED TO OUR OFFICE OR EMAILED TO: [email protected]

Researching a licensee's complaint/disciplinary history:

We encourage you to visit the Board's website directory for basic information about a licensee.

Please visit the Board's website directory to view a record of a licensee's disciplinary history or non-disciplinary order history (if there is any).  By law, copies of Board Orders and non-disciplinary orders are only posted on the website for 5 years; however, you may request information pertaining to earlier actions and/or copies of the Board Order or non-disciplinary order (if not beyond record retention timeframe) by contacting Board staff at 602-364-1739 or emailing to [email protected].  By law, information about dismissed complaints is not available on the website directory; however, you may request information about dismissed complaints by contacting Board staff.

 

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PDF icon Complaint Investigation Form69.81 KB
PDF icon What to Expect After A Complaint Is Filed138.23 KB
PDF icon FAQs: Complaints & Investigations44.21 KB