The Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine was originally formed with the enactment of Public Act 156 of 1956. On September 30, 1978, this authority was transferred to the Public Health Code, Public Act 368 of l978, as amended.

The practice of veterinary medicine, as defined in the Public Health Code, means prescribing or administering a drug, medicine, treatment or method of procedure; performing an operation or manipulation; applying an apparatus or appliance; or giving an instruction or demonstration designed to alter an animal from its normal condition; curing, ameliorating, correcting, reducing, or modifying a disease, deformity, defect, wound, or injury in or to an animal; diagnosing or prognosing, or both, a disease, deformity or defect in an animal by a test, procedure, manipulation, technique, autopsy, biopsy, or other examination.

The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare. This responsibility is implemented by the Board by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of health practitioners. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public's health, safety, and welfare.

The Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine consists of 9 voting members: 5 veterinarians, 1 veterinarian technician, and 3 public members.

The board currently oversees approximately 3,634 Veterinarians and 1,978 Veterinary Technicians.