Complaints

Practice by Non-Licensed Persons

The Board accepts complaints about unlicensed persons practicing veterinary medicine. If you have information pertaining to a person who is practicing veterinary medicine without a license please send in a complaint form.  Additionally, Board may work with the Attorney General or a District/County Attorney, who has authority to institute an injunctive proceeding to enforce the provisions of the Act and to enjoin (prohibit) any person from the illegal practice of veterinary medicine. The venue for such proceedings shall be in the county of residence of the person against whom such proceedings are instituted. If the person does not reside in this State, venue is in Travis County.

Complaints Against a Veterinarian

If you have a complaint about veterinary services you received from a veterinarian licensed by the Board, you may file a formal complaint. The Board also accepts complaints concerning an unlicensed individual practicing veterinary medicine. Complaints must be on the Board's Official Complaint Form, which may be obtained by calling, writing, sending e-mail to the Board Offices or downloading the Official Complaint Form.

When you request an Official Complaint Form, you will be sent a pamphlet with instructions on filing the complaint. Complainants who wish to complain to the Board by telephone will be advised that their complaints must be submitted in writing, must be signed by the complainant, and that a complaint form adopted by the Board will be mailed to them for their use and submission to the Board. Anonymous written complaints will not be investigated.

Obtain the official complaint form for a complaint against a Veterinarian, Licensed Veterinarian Technician, or Equine Dental Provider.

Obtain the official complaint form for a complaint about practicing veterinary medicine without a license.


Complaint Consumer Information

If you have a complaint about veterinary services you received from a licensee under the jurisdiction of this Agency, we may be able to assist you. However, the Board has no authority over fee disputes.

Persons requiring auxiliary aids or service in filing a complaint should contact the Board office by writing or calling Relay Texas 1-800-877-8973 (TDD).

  1. Your complaint must be submitting in writing. Using the form provided will help the Board process and investigate your complaint. To expedite the investigation, please provide as much of the following information that you have:

    • Your name, address, home and work phone numbers
    • The name of the veterinarian(s) about whom you are complaint. (If more than one, use a separate complaint form for each);
    • Make sure your complaint explains the reason (symptoms, injury, illness), you took your animal to the veterinarians;
    • Treatment performed;
    • Specific dates involved;
    • Description of the event and facts that caused/resulted in the complaint
    • Copies of all patient records/medical records, etc. you have related to the complaint;
    • Names of other veterinarians who may have been involved, such as second opinions, emergency clinic treatment/care; include any records, written reports, letters, etc. that relate to your complaint.
    • Names of any other persons who may have witnessed key events or have direct knowledge about the complaint. Written statements from them would be helpful.

    In addition, as information becomes available after you have submitted your complaint to the Board, please send it to the investigator assigned to your case.

  2. Please read the entire Complaint Form and fill out all applicable blocks completely.

  3. Upon receipt of your written complaint, the TBVME will:

    • Acknowledge receipt within ten days;
    • Assign an investigator;
    • Gather factual information;
    • Notify you of the disposition of the case.

  4. All allegations/complaints are investigated. If following an investigation, there is no evidence to support a violation, you are so advised.

  5. If an investigation indicates that a violation of the Texas Veterinary Licensing Act and/or Rules of Professional Conduct exists, the case may go through several intermediate steps but ultimately is presented to the Board for disciplinary action. A penalty ranging from a reprimand to license revocation may be imposed. After the Board has taken action, you are notified as to the final disposition of the complaint.

  6. As a regulatory agency, our primary disciplinary tools are sanctions, against the veterinarian's license. Recovery of damages to you is beyond the scope of the Board's authority. Complainants may seek relief through civil proceedings separate from the Board action.