Ind. Code ch. 25-38.1-3

in effect

Ind. Code § 25-38.1-3-1 License and permit requirements; exceptions

Sec. 1. (a) A person may not practice veterinary medicine in Indiana unless the person: (1) is licensed as a veterinarian in Indiana; or (2) holds a special permit issued by the board. (b) The following persons are exempt from the licensing or special permit requirements of this chapter: (1) A veterinarian on the faculty of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University performing regular duties, or a veterinarian employed by the animal disease diagnostic laboratory established by IC 21-46-3-1 performing regular duties. (2) A veterinary medical officer serving in the United States armed forces or veterinarian employed by a federal, state, or local government agency performing veterinary medical services that are within the scope of official duties and are performed during the period of the person's service. (3) An individual who is a regular student in an accredited college of veterinary medicine performing duties or actions assigned by the faculty of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University or working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. (4) An extern. (5) A veterinarian who is licensed and is a resident in another state or country and consults with a veterinarian licensed under this article. (6) An owner or a contract operator of an animal or a regular employee of the owner or a contract operator caring for and treating an animal, except where the ownership of the animal was transferred for purposes of circumventing this chapter. (7) A guest lecturing or giving instructions or demonstrations at the School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University, or elsewhere, in connection with a continuing education program. (8) An individual while engaged in bona fide scientific research that: (A) reasonably requires experimentation involving animals; and (B) is conducted in a facility or with a company that complies with federal regulations regarding animal welfare. (9) A graduate of a foreign college of veterinary medicine who is in the process of obtaining an ECFVG certificate or a PAVE certificate and who is under the direct supervision of: (A) the faculty of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University; or (B) a veterinarian licensed under this article. (10) A veterinarian who is enrolled in a postgraduate instructional program in an accredited college of veterinary medicine performing duties or actions assigned by the faculty of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University. (11) A member in good standing of another licensed or regulated profession within Indiana who: (A) provides assistance requested by a veterinarian licensed under this article; (B) acts with the consent of the client; (C) acts within a veterinarian-client-patient relationship; and (D) acts under the direct or indirect supervision of the licensed veterinarian. (12) A paramedic, advanced emergency medical technician, or emergency medical technician who, in the performance of their duties, renders care or transportation to an injured operational canine under IC 16-31-13. (13) An individual who: (A) is licensed by the Indiana horse racing commission under IC 4-31-6-12; and (B) performs only the services for which the individual's license allows on a licensed horse race track in Indiana. [Pre-2008 Title 15 Recodification Citation: 15-5-1.1-9.] As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.27; P.L.177-2009, SEC.59; P.L.112-2014, SEC.35; P.L.37-2021, SEC.3; P.L.94-2025, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 25-38.1-3-2 Veterinarian licensure requirements

Sec. 2. To become a licensed veterinarian, a person must: (1) not have a conviction for a crime that has a direct bearing on the person's ability to practice ethically and competently; (2) not have committed an act that would have been a violation of IC 25-1-9-4 or IC 25-1-9-6; (3) pay the fees required under this article; (4) have successfully completed a program in veterinary medicine from an accredited college of veterinary medicine; and (5) have successfully completed the examinations described in section 4 of this chapter or qualify for a license without examination under section 5 of this chapter. However, a person who was licensed as a veterinarian in Indiana on August 31, 1979, is not required to meet the requirements of subdivision (4) or (5). [Pre-2008 Title 15 Recodification Citation: 15-5-1.1-10.] As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.28.

Ind. Code § 25-38.1-3-3 Application for license; requirements and qualifications

Sec. 3. (a) As used in this subsection, "term" refers to an academic semester, trimester, or quarter. A person desiring a license to practice veterinary medicine shall make written application to the board. The application must state that the applicant is: (1) a graduate of an accredited college of veterinary medicine; or (2) enrolled in the last term of the last year of the veterinary medical curriculum of an accredited school of veterinary medicine. If the applicant is enrolled as a last term student as described in subdivision (2), a letter from the dean of the student's veterinary school confirming that the applicant is a last term student, attesting to the satisfactory academic standing of the student, and stating the date on which the degree is expected to be conferred upon the student must accompany the application. A license to practice veterinary medicine in Indiana may not be issued until satisfactory proof has been furnished to the board either that the applicant has graduated from an accredited college of veterinary medicine, or that the applicant is the holder of an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) certificate or a PAVE certificate. The application must show reasonable information and proof required by the board by rule. The application must be accompanied by the required fee. (b) If the board determines that the applicant possesses the proper qualifications, the board may grant the applicant a license. If the board determines that the applicant is not qualified to take the examination or that the applicant does not qualify for a license without examination, the executive secretary of the board shall immediately notify the applicant in writing of the finding and the grounds for the finding. Applicants found unqualified may request a hearing on the question of their qualifications. [Pre-2008 Title 15 Recodification Citation: 15-5-1.1-11.] As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.112-2014, SEC.36.

Ind. Code § 25-38.1-3-4 Examinations

Sec. 4. (a) The board shall hold at least one (1) examination for licensing veterinarians and one (1) examination for registering veterinary technicians each year. However, the board may hold additional examinations. The board shall give notice of the date, time, and place for each examination at least ninety (90) days before the date set for the examination. A person desiring to take an examination must make application not later than the time the board prescribes under IC 25-38.1-2-12. (b) The board must approve the preparation, administration, and grading of examinations that comply with the following requirements: (1) Examinations for licensure to practice as a veterinarian must be designed to test the examinee's knowledge of and proficiency in the subjects and techniques commonly taught in veterinary schools. To pass the examination, the examinee must demonstrate scientific and practical knowledge sufficient to prove to the board that the examinee is competent to practice veterinary medicine. The board may adopt and use examinations approved by the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners for licensure to practice veterinary medicine. (2) Examinations for registration as a registered veterinary technician must be designed to test the examinee's knowledge of and proficiency in the subjects and techniques commonly taught in schools for veterinary technicians. To pass the examination, the examinee must demonstrate scientific and practical knowledge sufficient to prove to the board that the examinee is competent to act as a registered veterinary technician. The board may adopt and use examinations approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards for registration as a veterinary technician. (c) To qualify for a license as a veterinarian or to be registered as a veterinary technician, the applicant must attain a passing score in the examinations. (d) After the examinations, the board shall notify each examinee of the result of the examinee's examinations. The board shall issue a license or registration certificate, as appropriate, to each individual who successfully completes the examinations and is otherwise qualified. The board shall keep a permanent record of the issuance of each license or registration certificate. (e) An individual who fails to pass the required examinations may apply to take a subsequent examination. Payment of the examination fee may not be waived. (f) If an applicant fails to pass the required examination within three (3) attempts in Indiana or any other state, the applicant may not retake the required examination. The applicant may take subsequent examinations upon approval by the board and completion of remedial education as required by the board. [Pre-2008 Title 15 Recodification Citations: subsection (a) formerly 15-5-1.1-12(a); subsection (b) formerly 15-5-1.1-12(b); subsection (c) formerly 15-5-1.1-12(c); subsection (d) formerly 15-5-1.1-12(d); subsection (e) formerly 15-5-1.1-12(e); subsection (f) formerly 15-5-1.1-12(f).] As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.29; P.L.48-2022, SEC.28.

Ind. Code § 25-38.1-3-5 License without examination

Sec. 5. The board may issue a license without an examination to a qualified applicant who: (1) satisfies the requirements set forth in IC 25-1-21; and (2) otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter. [Pre-2008 Title 15 Recodification Citation: 15-5-1.1-13.] As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.112-2014, SEC.37; P.L.9-2026, SEC.1.

Ind. Code § 25-38.1-3-5.5 Permit requirements; exceptions

Sec. 5.5. (a) An individual may not act as a registered veterinary technician unless the person is registered as a veterinary technician in Indiana or has been issued a special permit by the board. (b) An individual is not required to meet the registration requirements for a registered veterinary technician under this article while the individual is: (1) a full-time student in an accredited veterinary technology program performing duties or actions assigned by faculty or staff of the accredited program; or (2) working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian to perform tasks that are an educational requirement of the accredited program. As added by P.L.58-2008, SEC.30.

Ind. Code § 25-38.1-3-6 Veterinary technician permit requirements

Sec. 6. To become a registered veterinary technician, a person must: (1) not have a conviction for a crime that has a direct bearing on the person's ability to practice competently; (2) pay the required fees; (3) be at least eighteen (18) years of age; (4) have successfully completed four (4) years of high school education or an acceptable equivalent; (5) have either successfully completed an accredited veterinary technology program or have been a registered veterinary technician on August 31, 1981; and (6) show that the person has the necessary knowledge and skills to be a registered veterinary technician, demonstrated by successfully passing the required examinations. [Pre-2008 Title 15 Recodification Citation: 5-5-1.1-15.] As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.31.

Ind. Code § 25-38.1-3-7 Veterinary technicians; refusal to issue permit; probationary registration; conditions

Sec. 7. (a) The board may refuse to issue a registration or may issue a probationary registration to an applicant for registration as a registered veterinary technician under this chapter if: (1) the applicant has been disciplined by a licensing entity of another state or jurisdiction; and (2) the violation for which the applicant was disciplined has a direct bearing on the applicant's ability to competently practice as a veterinary technician in Indiana. (b) Whenever issuing a probationary registration under this section, the board may impose any or a combination of the following conditions: (1) Report regularly to the board upon the matters that are the basis of the discipline of the other state or jurisdiction. (2) Limit practice to those areas prescribed by the board. (3) Continue or renew professional education. (4) Engage in community restitution or service without compensation for a number of hours specified by the board. (c) The board shall remove any limitations placed on a probationary registration issued under this section if the board finds after a hearing that the deficiency that required disciplinary action has been remedied. (d) This section does not apply to an individual who currently holds a registration certificate under this chapter. [Pre-2008 Title 15 Recodification Citation: 15-5-1.1-15.1.] As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.32.

Ind. Code § 25-38.1-3-8 Registration without examination

Sec. 8. The board may issue a registration without an examination to a qualified applicant who: (1) satisfies the requirements set forth in IC 25-1-21; and (2) otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter. [Pre-2008 Title 15 Recodification Citation: 15-5-1.1-15.4.] As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.33; P.L.9-2026, SEC.2.

Ind. Code § 25-38.1-3-9 Application

Sec. 9. An applicant for registration as a registered veterinary technician shall complete an application form prescribed by the board. Each application shall be accompanied by the required registration fee and other material that the board may require by rule. Each applicant shall furnish proof to the board that the applicant meets the requirements of a registered veterinary technician under this chapter. [Pre-2008 Title 15 Recodification Citation: 15-5-1.1-16.] As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 25-38.1-3-10 Term of license and registration certificate

Sec. 10. Subject to IC 25-1-2-6(e), a license or registration certificate issued under this article is valid for the remainder of the renewal period in effect on the date of issuance. [Pre-2008 Title 15 Recodification Citation: 15-5-1.1-12(g).] As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.177-2015, SEC.77.

Ind. Code § 25-38.1-3-11 License renewal

Sec. 11. (a) Subject to IC 25-1-2-6(e), a license issued under this chapter is valid until the next renewal date described under subsection (b). (b) All licenses expire on a date set by the board in each odd-numbered year but may be renewed by application to the board and payment of the proper renewal fee. In accordance with IC 25-1-5-4(c), the board shall mail a notice ninety (90) days before the expiration to each licensed veterinarian. The board shall issue a license renewal to each individual licensed under this chapter if the proper fee has been received and all other requirements for renewal of the license have been satisfied. Failure to renew a license on or before the expiration date automatically renders the license invalid without any action by the board. [Pre-2008 Title 15 Recodification Citation: 15-5-1.1-17.] As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.34; P.L.177-2015, SEC.78; P.L.48-2022, SEC.29.

Ind. Code § 25-38.1-3-12 Registration certificate renewal

Sec. 12. (a) Subject to IC 25-1-2-6(e), a registration certificate issued under this chapter is valid until the next renewal date described under subsection (b). (b) Subject to IC 25-1-2-6(e), all registration certificates expire on a date set by the board of each even-numbered year but may be renewed by application to the board and payment of the proper renewal fee. In accordance with IC 25-1-5-4(c), the board shall mail a notice ninety (90) days before the expiration to each registered veterinary technician. The board shall issue a registration certificate renewal to each individual registered under this chapter if the proper fee has been received and all other requirements for renewal of the registration certificate have been satisfied. Failure to renew a registration certificate on or before the expiration date automatically renders the license invalid without any action by the board. [Pre-2008 Title 15 Recodification Citation: 15-5-1.1-18.] As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.35; P.L.177-2015, SEC.79; P.L.48-2022, SEC.30.

Ind. Code § 25-38.1-3-13 Practicing without a valid license or registration; violation; renewal; inactive status

Sec. 13. (a) An individual who: (1) practices veterinary medicine after the individual's license has expired, been revoked, or been placed on inactive status; or (2) acts as a registered veterinary technician after the individual's registration has expired, been revoked, or been placed on inactive status; violates this article. (b) In accordance with IC 25-1-8-6(c), a veterinarian may renew an expired license or a registered veterinary technician may renew an expired registration certificate not later than three (3) years after the date of expiration by making written application for renewal and paying the required fees. However, the board may require continuing education as a condition of renewal of an expired license. (c) In accordance with IC 25-1-8-6(d), a veterinarian may renew an expired license or a registered veterinary technician may renew an expired registration certificate more than three (3) years after the date of the expiration by making written application for renewal and paying the required fees. However, the board may require as a condition of renewal of an expired license or registration certificate that the applicant: (1) appear before the board; (2) complete: (A) continuing education; or (B) remediation and additional training; or (3) practice in consultation with or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian; as deemed appropriate by the board given the lapse of time involved. (d) To have a license or registration placed on inactive status, a licensed veterinarian or registered veterinarian technician must notify the board in writing of the veterinarian's or technician's desire to have the license or registration placed on inactive status. The board shall waive the continuing education requirements, if any, and payment of the renewal fee during the period the license or registration of a veterinarian or technician is on inactive status. A license or registration may be placed on inactive status during the period: (1) the veterinarian or technician is on active duty with any branch of the armed services of the United States; (2) the veterinarian or technician is in the Peace Corps; (3) the veterinarian or technician is in an alternative service during a time of national emergency; (4) the veterinarian or technician is suffering from a severe medical condition that prevents the veterinarian or technician from meeting the requirements of the board; or (5) after the veterinarian or technician retires. A veterinarian or technician who is retired and on inactive status may not maintain an office or practice veterinary medicine. The board may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 that establish prerequisites or conditions for the reactivation of an inactive license or registration. [Pre-2008 Title 15 Recodification Citation: 15-5-1.1-19.] As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.36; P.L.15-2024, SEC.4.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/25Fetched: 10/17/2026