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Legislative & Regulatory Affairs

Advocacy and Action


PVMA acts as the watchdog of the veterinary profession in Pennsylvania. No one represents the veterinary profession's interests in Harrisburg as well as we do on the issues affecting veterinary practice and the welfare of animals. An illustration of this is our instrumental involvement in the passage of Act 167 of 2002, the revisions to the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act. PVMA took the lead to ensure that the law was updated in ways that would promote high-quality veterinary medicine and protect the animals we serve.

Recently, PVMA has taken a stronger role in the legislative arena and is offering PVMA as the go-to resource for information within the veterinary profession so that legislators and the public at large have the information they need to approach animal welfare and public health issues with a well-balanced approach.

Click here to see Representative John Maher and Dr. John Enck receive their awards at PVMA's 2011 Legislative Day.





Veterinary Laws & Regs

Pennsylvania Veterinary Medicine Practice Act
The PA law governing the practice of veterinary medicine in the Commonwealth.

Click here to review the act.


Pennsylvania Code, Chapter 31, State Board of Veterinary Medicine
The rules and regulations further defining the intentions of the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act including licensure requirements, record keeping rationale, etc.

Click here to access the code.


Act 119 of 2008, The Dog Law
Act 119, the new dog law, was signed into law by Governor Rendell on October 8, 2008. This legislation was enacted to help Pennsylvania to rid its reputation as the 'Puppy Mill Capitol of the East.' The updated law is designed to greatly improve the treatment dogs receive while in commercial kennels. Now, dogs will benefit from larger cage sizes without wire flooring, mandatory exercise periods, and care by a trained veterinarian. The Canine Health Board was also established by Act 119 of 2008 to develop guidelines for commercial dog kennels in Pennsylvania.

Click here to review the bill the Governor Rendell signed into law.

 
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