Statutes and Administrative Rules

The last update to statutes pertaining to the Veterinary Board became effective October 30, 2023. See the revised AZ Veterinary Practice Act (statutes) which incorporates the changes below. 

October 30, 2023 changes:

On May 8, 2023, Governor Hobbs signed SB1053, which allows a VCPR to be established by electronic means in many circumstances and if certain requirements are met.  This does not apply to animals used in commercial food production. The bill also placed limits on prescribing when providing a service by audio-visual means.

Other new laws effective October 31, 2023 (56th Legislature - First Regular Session):

Senate Bill 1194 created a "certified rabies vaccinator" designation for individuals appointed and trained by an AZ-licensed veterinarian to administer rabies vaccines in  shelter or animal rescue organization if a licensed veterinarian is not available -- but only if the facility is located in a county with a population of less than 400,000 or a census county division with less than 50,000 persons in a county with a population of 400,000 or more. Note that this bill created additions to the AZ Veterinary Practice Act as well as laws within Arizona Revised Statutes Title 11 and requires the State Veterinarian to create related administrative rules regarding the "certified rabies vaccinator."

Senate Bill 1401 amended the AZ Veterinary Medical Practice Act and the laws pertaining to licensed acupuncturists, allowing the Arizona Acupuncture Board of Examiners to certify individuals who meet certain criteria to treat animals. Note that the individual must have received a referral from a licensed veterinarian who has diagnosed the animal. See the revised AZ Veterinary Practice Act and Senate Bill 1401.

House Bill 2045 classifies xylazine as a "dangerous drug," but exempts licensed veterinarians who lawfully acquire, use, prescribe, dispense, or administer any dangerous drug in their professional practice, in good faith, and accordance with generally accepted medical standards.

Senate Bill 1068 added language to the AZ Veterinary Medical Practice Act related to allowing emergency medical care technicians and physicians providing direction to EMTs to provide emergency treatment for police dogs injured in the line of duty.

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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.