Veterinary Amendments

Utah veterinary licenses require 1,000 experience hours

Beginning May 6, 2026, Utah replaces its six-month veterinary experience requirement with at least 1,000 hours of qualifying practice. Applicants can qualify through supervised practice under a Utah-licensed veterinarian, licensed practice outside Utah, or government veterinary practice. Government work includes employment by the federal government, its agencies, Utah, or Utah's political subdivisions. Veterinary research, education, or sanitary-control work of equivalent duration also qualifies. Applicants still need an approved exam and either an accredited veterinary degree or an American Veterinary Medical Association foreign-graduate certificate. Veterinary interns must meet the same education rule, and their licenses cover the time needed to complete qualifying clinical training. Intern licenses generally extend no more than one year beyond completing minimum training. Progress toward passing the exam or following a course reasonably expected to lead to licensure allows an extension, capped at two years after training completion. Examination, initial-license, and renewal fees remain required; the law does not set new dollar amounts.