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Revised June, 2020
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Important News

  • Governor Kasich launched a public awareness campaign to stop human trafficking in labor and the sex trade. The Ohio Department of Health has a very informative web site at: http://www.healthy.ohio.gov/sadv/htraffick.aspx If you suspect that human trafficking is occurring, Call 911 or 888-3737-888 or text HELP to #233733.


  • Guidelines for Proper Disposal of Prescription Drugs:

  • Please note: There is nothing in the law that allows a euthanasia technician or dog warden to have access to or administer any drug other than the lethal solution to perform euthanasia.

Animal Alternative Therapies
Revised May, 2010

The Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board has had multiple inquiries regarding the ability of animal massage therapists and other allied health professionals to perform therapies on animals and not violate the veterinary practice act. The Board appreciates these individuals willingness to understand and work within the law and rules of the veterinary practice act. Basically, the use of massage therapy to treat a medical condition of an animal is the practice of veterinary medicine and should be monitored by a veterinarian.

It is not the intent of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board to restrict the practice of alternative therapy practitioners as long as they are not straying into the field of diagnosing and medical treatment of animals. The Board reiterates that if the animal practitioner is performing therapy for the purpose of relaxation or other non-medical purposes, then it is not considered the practice of veterinary medicine and is permissible. For instance, an animal that has inhibitions regarding travel may require massage therapy to relax it. In the event of a medical situation a veterinarian can certainly prescribe such services as a therapist can provide or the therapist can work under the supervision of the veterinarian as long as the veterinarian maintains the medical supervision for the animal.

You can access the Board's web site at www.ovmlb.ohio.gov for updates regarding the Veterinary Medical Practice Act.

Equine dentistry is not included as an alternative therapy. Section 4741.19(C) ORC specifically states that a registered veterinary technician operating under direct veterinary supervision may perform equine dental procedures, including the floating of molars, premolars, and canine teeth; removal of deciduous teeth; and the extraction of first premolars or wolf teeth. The Board has taken the position that since this procedure is specifically mentioned in law as being a duty for RVTs, it is not permissible for other practitioners to perform to perform dental prophylaxis (RC 4741.19(C)(2)(b))or equine dental procedures, unless the practitioner is a dentist working at the direction of a veterinarian or a veterinarian.

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