04/14/2026
Dear Minnesota Veterinary Professionals,
The Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine, in collaboration with the Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians (MAVT) and the MVMA Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, is providing formal notice regarding upcoming statutory changes to the regulation and use of the title “veterinary technician” in Minnesota.
Effective July 1, 2026, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 156.077, the title “veterinary technician” and the designation “LVT” are legally protected titles. A person may not use or be represented by these titles unless they have met the requirements set forth in statute and board rule and are licensed by the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine.
Accordingly, beginning July 1, 2026, unlicensed veterinary assistants may not be referred to or presented as veterinary technicians or LVTs in any context. This includes any public or client-facing materials and communications, such as clinic websites and marketing materials, staff directories and biographies, social media platforms, and name badges and uniforms.
If your practice currently utilizes the title “veterinary technician” or “vet tech” for individuals who are not credentialed, you must take steps to correct these representations prior to the July 1, 2026 effective date. Knowingly misrepresenting the credentials of veterinary staff may be considered a violation of the Minnesota Veterinary Practice Act and failure to comply with this requirement may result in regulatory action by the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine, including:
Investigation of complaints
Issuance of formal warnings or corrective orders
Civil penalties as authorized under Minnesota law
Disciplinary action against a veterinarian’s license
We also encourage individuals currently working as veterinary assistants who are interested in becoming licensed to review the pathways available under Minnesota law, including temporary alternative qualification options available through July 1, 2031.
These statutory changes are intended to:
Improve transparency for the public
Promote consistency in veterinary team roles
Support professional standards within veterinary medicine
Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued commitment to high-quality veterinary care in Minnesota.
Sincerely,
Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association
