Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine

A person other than Iowa licensed veterinarians may perform animal massage for others, for a fee, for relaxation purposes. Performing animal massage for therapeutic purposes or to diagnose, treat, correct, change, relieve or prevent, for a fee, any animal disease, deformity, defect, injury or other physical or mental conditions qualifies as the practice of veterinary medicine.

Business websites, business cards, letterheads, brochures, social media accounts and any other forms of advertising should expressly identify whether the animal massage will be therapeutic or for relaxation.

The Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine will grant two hours of continuing education credits to the continuing education presenter for one hour of scientific presentation.

Embryo transfer involves the removal of a fertilized ova or ovum from the reproduction tract of one animal species and the transfer to the reproduction tract of another for gestation and birth.

Embryo transfer that is performed for a fee constitutes the practice of veterinary medicine. See Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine v. Jeff Spring, Case No. EQCV004730 (Adair County District Court), Ruling (April 4, 2005) (concluding embryo transfer constitutes the practice of veterinary medicine).

Generally, an applicant may retake the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) or the Veterinary Technician State Examination (VTSE). However, if the candidate wishes to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) or the Veterinary Technician State Examination (VTSE) but has unsuccessfully passed the exam(s) five (5) times, then they will need to have special permission from the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) (for the VTNE) or the Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine (for the VTSE).

Candidates will have the opportunity for up to five attempts, inclusive of incomplete ones. An incomplete attempt refers to any instance where a candidate initiates the NAVLE but does not complete the examination. Candidates may file an appeal with the ICVA Board of Directors for permission to undertake the NAVLE beyond the five-attempt limit.

Assuming the applicant has met all other qualifications, generally yes, but other limitations may apply. See Iowa Code §169.11(2) and 811 Iowa Admin. Code 9.1(2) for specific requirements and limitations. In addition, when an applicant has failed the NAVLE two or more times, the application for a temporary permit will be denied.