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HB 1387

Veterinary medicine; exceptions for care of animals injured in line of duty.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jay Leftwich

Virginia bill exempting unlicensed first responders from veterinary licensing laws when providing emergency care to working animals injured during duty operations.

Left in Health and Human Services
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Bill Summary · HB 1387

Legislative bill overview

HB 1387 creates an exception to Virginia's veterinary medicine regulations allowing unlicensed individuals to provide emergency medical care to animals injured in the line of duty (primarily working dogs and horses used by law enforcement, military, or first responders). The bill specifies that such emergency care would not constitute the illegal practice of veterinary medicine under defined circumstances.

Why is this important

Working animals like police K-9s and mounted patrol horses sometimes suffer injuries during operations in remote locations or high-stress situations where licensed veterinarians may not be immediately available. This bill addresses whether first responders can provide basic emergency stabilization care (similar to human first aid) without facing legal liability for practicing veterinary medicine without a license.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's language regarding what constitutes permissible "emergency care" may be unclear—where is the line between emergency first aid and actual veterinary practice?
  • Animal welfare concerns: Veterinary boards may worry that broad exceptions could enable inadequate care or mask negligence, potentially harming animals
  • Liability questions: Unclear who bears responsibility if emergency care causes harm, and whether first responders have adequate training to safely administer such care

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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