What is the primary responsibility of the Arizona State Veterinary Board?

The primary responsibility of the Arizona State Veterinary Board centers around regulating veterinary practice in order to ensure public health and safety. This involves establishing standards for veterinary care, licensing veterinarians, and enforcing ethical practices within the profession. The Board helps to maintain the integrity of veterinary services, ensuring that veterinarians are competent and adhere to professional guidelines, which ultimately protects both animal and public welfare.

While promoting animal rights and welfare, providing veterinary education, and conducting research are valuable activities within the veterinary field, they do not represent the main mandate of the Board. The regulation of veterinary practice is essential for maintaining the professionalism of veterinary care, which supports public health initiatives and safeguards against potential harms caused by unqualified practice or negligence in veterinary medicine.