About KBVE

In order to comply with the mission of the Board, the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners (KBVE) shall administer and enforce the provisions of KRS Chapter 321 and shall have the responsibility of evaluating the qualifications of applicants for licensure and certification. The Board may promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A and Chapter 321 to carry out their responsibilities.

The Board may conduct hearings and keep records and minutes; may issue subpoenas, examine witnesses, pay appropriate witness fees, administer oaths, and investigate allegations of practices violating the provisions of KRS Chapter 321; may suspend, or revoke licenses or certifications, or impose supervisory or probationary conditions upon licensees or certificate holders, or impose administrative disciplinary fines, issue written reprimands, or any combination thereof; and may seek injunctive relief in Franklin Circuit Court to stop the unlawful practice of veterinary medicine by unlicensed persons.

    The KBVE issues two licenses and two certificates:
  • License to Practice Veterinary Medicine in Kentucky
  • License to Practice as a Veterinary Technician under Veterinary Supervision in Kentucky
  • Animal Euthanasia Specialist Certificate
    Able to practice profession only at a certified animal control shelter
  • Restricted Controlled Substance Registration Authorization Certificate for Animal Control Agencies.

NOTE: The KBVE is not authorized to license or certify animal control agencies for operation, and does not inspect animal control agencies for compliance with standards of care, nor the animals under the care of the animal control agency.

The Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners is self-supporting and receives no general fund tax appropriation. The KBVE is funded solely through fees associated with the licensing and registration of its professionals and the services the board provides to requestees.