Currently, animal owners in California can perform certain functions on their animals like giving vaccines or basic wound care under what’s known as the “owner exemption”—allowable under current regulations from the California Veterinary Medical Board (CMVB). This policy is up for consideration by the California Legislature on Tuesday, March 4, as a part of their bigger “sunset review” of various regulations of the CVMB.
What You Can Do:
This process, which will eventually become like a bill moving through the traditional legislative process (it will become AB 1502), begins on Tuesday, March 4, with the Joint Sunset Review Oversight Hearing Assembly Committee on Business and Professions and Senate Committee on Business, Professions, and Economic Development.
This is the first step in the process but is an excellent time to have your voice heard and to ensure your rights as an animal owner are not negatively affected. Testimony will only be allowed in person.
Hearing information:
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 1021 O Street, Room 1100
Sacramento, CA 95814
Summary:
- Currently, owners of animals can carry out various medical activities on their animals like giving vaccines, basic wound care, birthing, etc. under the “owner exemption.”
- If the owner exemption is disallowed, basic care for animals would have to always be done under the care of a veterinarian; this could especially harm those in rural or urban communities with lesser veterinary care access.
AKC Government Relations continues to monitor bills in California impacting dog owners and will provide updates. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.