Statutes and Administrative Rules

The last update to statutes pertaining to the Veterinary Board became effective September 24, 2022.  This included changes from House Bill 2626 and created Sections 32-2239.02: Duty of veterinarian to scan for presence of microchip; owner notification and Section 32-2297: Duty of animal crematory licensee to scan for presence of microchip; exception.

September 24, 2022 changes:

A.R.S. 32-2239.02: Duty of veterinarian to scan for presence of microchip; owner notification:

For all stray dogs and cats brought to a veterinary premises, the veterinarian shall thoroughly scan for the presence of a microchip and make a reasonable effort to contact the owner.

A.R.S. 32-2297: Duty of animal crematory licensee to scan for presence of microchip; exception

For all dogs and cats brought to a crematory by a person other than the dog's or cat's owner, the crematory licensee shall thoroughly scan for the presence of a microchip and make a reasonable effort to contact the owner, unless there is a written or electronic record that the dog or cat has been thoroughly scanned for the presence of a microchip and a reasonable effort has been made to contact the owner.

Please note that this set of Arizona laws (statutes) is commonly referred to as the "Veterinary Practice Act." 

On August 21, 2019, the Board adopted a Substantive Policy Statement #19-01 related to House Bill 2569 (Universal Licensure Recognition) and documents accepted for licensure or certification as proof of Arizona residency.