The California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) is proposing new rules which will require a veterinarian to be present during animal rehabilitation services. The Veterinary Medical Board is responsible for licensing veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians and premises including animal hospitals and veterinary clinics.

The new rule would mandate that animal rehabilitation be performed only by a veterinarian or a licensed physical therapist (PT) or registered veterinary technician (RVT) working under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.

The proposed changes are due to concerns that too many unlicensed people may be offering services that could hurt pets according to ABC 10 NEWS.

Animal Rehabilitation (AR) is defined as:

“the use of the physical, chemical, and other properties of thermal, magnetic, biofeedback technology, hydrotherapy (such as underwater treadmills), electricity, sound, therapeutic massage, manual therapy, and active, passive, and resistant exercise for the prevention, cure, or relief of a wound, fracture, bodily injury, or disease of animals. AR includes evaluation, treatment, instruction, and consultative services.”

RELATED:

Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action for Animal Rehabilitation
http://www.vmb.ca.gov/laws_regs/arehab_notice.pdf

Initial Statement of Reasons
http://www.vmb.ca.gov/laws_regs/arehab_isr.pdf

California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB)
http://www.vmb.ca.gov/