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The Kentucky Practice Act

​​​​​​The Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners is governed by Kentucky statutes and regulations. These rules are collectively known as the Kentucky Practice Act. Links to each statute and regulation can be found below; The Practice Act is summarized by the KBVE Booklet entitled Laws and Regulations relating to the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners.

DISCLAIMER: The KBVE Laws & Regulations Booklet may not be up to date due to recent changes in the Kentucky Veterinary Medicine Practice Act (23 RS HB 167), as well as new and amended administrative regulations. For the current laws, visit the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission (LRC) online to view KRS Chapter 321 and 201 KAR Chapter 16. Users may also navigate below to open direct links to specific laws on LRC's website, or learn more information about the Practice Act Modernization, ​new filings with LRC, or discussion drafts.

  • KRS Chapter 321
  • KRS 321.175 - Purpose of chapter
  • KRS 321.181 - Definitions for chapter
  • KRS 321.185 - Veterinarian-client-patient relationship
  • KRS 321.186 - Telehealth -- Authorization -- Types
  • KRS 321.187 - Medical recordkeeping – Access to records
  • KRS 321.188 - Reporting of animal abuse
  • KRS 321.189 – Criminal background investigation for applicants
  • KRS 321.190 - License required to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology
  • KRS 321.193 - Veterinarian's license -- Requirements
  • KRS 321.200 - Exemptions from application of chapter
  • KRS 321.201 - Special permits -- Duration
  • KRS 321.203 - Veterinary facilities -- Registration
  • KRS 321.205 - Mobile facilities -- Authorized incidental activities
  • KRS 321.207 - Authorization to apply to United States Drug Enforcement Administration for controlled substance registration -- Certification of animal control agencies and animal euthanasia specialists -- Possession and storage of drugs used for euthanasia.
  • KRS 321.208 - Renewal of animal euthanasia specialist certificate and animal control agency certificate
  • KRS 321.211 - Renewal of veterinarian license -- Fees -- Expiration and termination of license -- Reinstatement -- Continuing education -- Retired or inactive licensure status
  • KRS 321.221 - Requirements for a credential by endorsement for individuals licensed in other jurisdictions
  • KRS 321.230 - Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners -- Membership -- Qualifications -- Appointment -- Terms -- Vacancies -- Compensation -- Removal of member
  • KRS 321.235 - Powers and duties of board -- Personal immunity
  • KRS 321.236 - Veterinary Facilities and AAHP Facilities -- Administrative regulations -- Registration requirements -- Voluntary inspections by the board -- Disciplinary action against registrant
  • KRS 321.237 - Veterinary wellness committee
  • KRS 321.240 - Board officers -- Terms of officers -- Meetings -- Employment of staff
  • KRS 321.320 - Revolving fund for administration -- Reserve fund
  • KRS 321.351 - Disciplinary action -- Offenses subject to disciplinary action -- Private admonishment -- Criminal background investigation
  • KRS 321.352 - Board to establish fines through promulgation of administrative regulations
  • KRS 321.353 - Emergency order for immediate, temporary suspension of license, certificate, permit, or registration when necessary to protect the public -- Right to appeal
  • KRS 321.360 - Hearings by board - Appeal
  • KRS 321.441 - Veterinary technician's license -- Qualifications -- Scope of practice -- Annual fee -- Exception
  • KRS 321.442 - Renewal of veterinary technician ​license
  • KRS 321.443 - Veterinary assistants -- Duties
  • KRS 321.990 - Penalties

  • 201 KAR Chapter 16
  • 201 KAR 16:500 - Code of Ethical Conduct for veterinarians
  • 201 KAR 16:510 - Fees for Veterinarians
  • 201 KAR 16:512 - Fees for veterinary technicians
  • 201 KAR 16:514 - Fees for animal control agencies and animal euthanasia specialists
  • 201 KAR 16:516 - Fees - other fees
  • 201 KAR 16:520 - Approved veterinary colleges; approved programs for veterinary technicians
  • 201 KAR 16:530 - Examination requirements for veterinarians and veterinary technicians
  • 201 KAR 16:540 - Application requirements for veterinarians and veterinary technicians
  • 201 KAR 16:550 - Authorization for animal control agencies to apply for a restricted controlled substances certificate from DEA
  • 201 KAR 16:552 - Responsibilities for certified animal control agencies; limitations on drugs
  • 201 KAR 16:560 - Certification as an animal euthanasia specialist
  • 201 KAR 16:562 - Duties and responsibilities of an animal euthanasia specialist
  • 201 KAR 16:570 - License renewal for veterinarians and veterinary technicians; renewal notice
  • 201 KAR 16:572 - Certificate renewal for animal control agencies and animal euthanasia specialists; renewal notice
  • 201 KAR 16:580 - Board issued licenses and certificates, inactive and retired statuses
  • 201 KAR 16:590 - Continuing education requirements, veterinarians and veterinary technicians
  • 201 KAR 16:600 - Prescription and dispensation of drugs for animal use
  • 201 KAR 16:610 - Procedures for grievances, investigations, and administrative charges
  • 201 KAR 16:701 - Standards for Medical Records
  • 201 KAR 16:702 - Standards for ​Veterinary Surgery
  • 201 KAR 16:750 - Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) -- ​Veterinary assistants -- Scope of Practice and Supervisory Requirements

  • Policy 2101 – Reinstatement Applications
  • Policy 2201 - Provisional ​Licensure ​for Applicants with Limited Outstanding Application Materials​

New administrative regulations and amendments to existing administrative regulations are have been filed with the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission (LRC). All regulations filed with LRC may also be viewed on the Commission's website at https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/201/016/​ on the first day of the month following filing.​

Filed in September: 

Written comments may be submitted through November 30, 2024, to Michelle.Shane@ky.gov or KBVE, 4047 Iron Works Pkwy, Suite 104, Lexington, KY 40511. 

A public hearing will only be held upon request at least five (5) days in advance of the scheduled hearing on November 22, 2024, at 1:00 pm EST.  NOTE: As of Monday, November 18, the HEARING HAS BEEN CANCELLED​ because no request was received to be heard at the scheduled public hearing.

Filed in October: 

An iInformational meeting about the below filings is scheduled via Zoom on Nov 20 at 6:30 PM EST.  To register for the meeting, email Vet@ky.gov by Nov 18.  The meeting that was scheduled for Oct 30 was cancelled due to low RSVP.

Amendments to Current Regulations:

New Veterinary Facility Registration Regulations:

New Allied Animal Health Professional (AAHP) Permit Regulations:

New AAHP Facility Registration Regulations:

​Written comments may be submitted through December 31, 2024, to Michelle.Shane@ky.gov or KBVE, 4047 Iron Works Pkwy, Suite 104, Lexington, KY 40511. 

A public hearing will only be held upon request at least five (5) days in advance of the scheduled hearing on December 23, 2024, at 10:00 am EST.  If no request is received to be heard at the scheduled public hearing, the hearing will be cancelled.


The regulations provided in this section are discussion draft documents only, and released solely for early discussion and feedback. These drafts require further work by both the board and stakeholder groups before KBVE will file them with LRC. Finally, when these regulations are filed, they will undergo a public comment period and review by the General Assembly prior to becoming law, which can take at least six (6) months from the date of filing. If you have any ​comments or questions about these discussion drafts, please email Vet@ky.gov.

AAHP Permit Regulations

  • 201 KAR 16:593 – Discussion Draft – Continuing Education Requirements for AAHP Permits.

Facility Registration Regulations

  • 201 KAR 16:705 – Discussion Draft – Standards for Veterinary Facilities; General Requirements.
  • 201 KAR 16:710 – Discussion Draft – Standards for Mobile Veterinary Facilities.
  • 201 KAR 16:715 – Discussion Draft – Standards for 24-Hour Veterinary Facilities.
  • 201 KAR 16:720​ – Discussion Draft – Standards for Temporary Clinics and High Volume Spay/Neuter Operations.

Other proposed Regulations

The following statutes and regulations are provided for reference by the veterinary community and the public at large. Be advised: this is not an exhaustive list. Constituents and licensees practicing in Kentucky and should not rely on this list as their sole source of rules related to animals in the Commonwealth. If you have questions about law that may or may not be listed below, please contact the Board at Vet@ky.gov for more information and possible direction to other appropriate agencies who can assist you, including the Office of the State Veterinarian, the Office of the Public Health Veterinarian, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, Animal Control Advisory Board, etc.

From 2021-2023, the KBVE proposed a legislative package to fully modernize the Kentucky Veterinary Medicine Practice Act. The board engaged stakeholders throughout the development process, and presents the following documents for public review. In 2023, HB 167, sponsored by Rep. Matt Koch, passed both the Kentucky House and Senate and was sign​ed by the Governor. The law shall become effective in July 2023. Any questions or comments may be addressed to Vet@ky.gov, or via post to the board’s mailing address.

Records Custodian: Michelle Shane
Contact Phone: 502-782-0273
Contact Email: Vet@ky.gov
Mailing Address KBVE, 107 Corporate Drive,
Second Floor, Frankfort, KY 40601

Agency ORR Rules:

Records Retention Schedule:​