Complaint Process

 

Licensees

Citing from the Board Rules (NDAC 87-05-01-01): 

1. A person may file a written complaint with the board setting forth the specific charges uponwhich the complaint is made. Upon receiving a complaint, the board shall notify the veterinarian or veterinary technician of the complaint and request the veterinarian or veterinary technician provide a written response to the complaint within twenty days of receipt of the board's notice. The response from the veterinarian or veterinary technician must be made available to the complainant.

2. After receiving the response, the board shall review the complaint and response and determine whether, on its face, the complaint warrants further action by the board.
a. If the board determines the complaint does not warrant further action, the complaint is dismissed and the complainant and the veterinarian must be notified of the decision by the board;
b. If the board determines the complaint warrants additional investigation, the board shall determine whether the complaint be referred to a peer review committee for investigation or whether the investigation be conducted by other means; or
c. If the board determines sufficient information exists to warrant initiating formal disciplinary action, the board may attempt to resolve the matter through informal disposition or may initiate a formal disciplinary action pursuant to North Dakota Century Code chapter 28-32.
3. The board may initiate its own investigation and file an administrative complaint upon receiving information that indicates a violation of the practice act or board rules has occurred.

 

A complaint must be made against a veterinarian or veterinary technician, not against a veterinary practice. Complaints must address one or more specific grounds for discipline as listed in the practice act (NDCC 43-29-14), or unprofessional conduct as outlined in the board rules (NDAC 87-05-02). 

 

Download the Veterinarian/Veterinary Technician Complaint Form

 

 

Unlicensed Practice

Practicing veterinary medicine or veterinary technology without a license is a violation of the practice act and is also a class B misdemeanor. The board has created a form to use to report persons who may be practicing veterinary medicine or veterinary technology without a license. The board will review each of these complaints and take appropriate action.

 

Download the Unlicensed Practice Complaint Form

or

Contact the North Dakota Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

P. O. Box 328
Lisbon ND 58054
Phone: (701) 683-4705

ndbvme@nd.gov

Updated 4/7/2026