Top 10 Best Veterinarians in Marin County, California (Updated 2026)

Who licenses veterinarians in California

The California Veterinary Medical Board sits inside the Department of Consumer Affairs. Under Business and Professions Code section 4825, it is unlawful to practice veterinary medicine in California without a valid, unexpired and unrevoked license. The law counts diagnosing, prescribing, performing surgery and performing a dental operation on an animal as the practice of veterinary medicine.

The Board's applicant pages cover four credentials, and each appears as its own license type in the state lookup.

A premises registration names a responsible licensee manager who acts for the registered premises. That person must hold a valid, unexpired and unrevoked license.

Grooming and boarding have their own pages in the directory, under pet groomers and pet boarding.

How to check a veterinarian's license

License records are on the DCA License Search, the online tool for licenses issued by the California Department of Consumer Affairs. The site says each record will reflect if a license is current, expired, or has been subject to disciplinary action like suspension or revocation.

1. Open the DCA License Search and choose California Veterinary Medical Board from the list of boards and bureaus.
2. Enter the veterinarian's first and last name, or the license number.
3. Open the record and read the license status and any disciplinary action.
4. Search the hospital by business name under the Veterinary Premises license type to confirm the premises is registered.

Exams, prescriptions and the veterinarian-client-patient relationship

A veterinarian may not prescribe, dispense or administer a drug unless a veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists. Business and Professions Code section 4826.6 sets three conditions. The client has authorized the veterinarian to make medical judgments about the animal, the veterinarian knows the animal well enough to make at least a general or preliminary diagnosis, and the veterinarian has communicated a treatment plan to the client.

The veterinarian gains that knowledge by examining the animal in person, by examining it over live audio and video, or by making timely visits to the place where the animal is kept. The relationship cannot be established by an audio-only call or by a questionnaire alone. The same section limits how long a prescription may run.

The law gives you a choice about where a prescription is filled. Business and Professions Code section 4170 covers veterinarians who dispense drugs from the office. Before dispensing, the veterinarian must offer a written prescription that you may have filled there or at any pharmacy, and must give you written disclosure of that choice. The directory lists pharmacies in Marin County.

Your pet's medical records

Business and Professions Code section 4855 requires a veterinarian to keep a written record of every animal treated. The veterinarian must provide a copy of that record to the client within five days of a verbal or written request.

The Board's consumer FAQ says records must be kept for three years after the date of the last visit, and radiographs are part of the record. Radiographs are the property of the facility that ordered them, and they must be released to another veterinarian who asks and has the owner's authorization. The Board says there may be a cost for duplication.

Rabies vaccination and dog licenses in Marin County

Health and Safety Code section 121690 applies in rabies areas, and the California Department of Public Health has declared all 58 counties rabies areas. The owner of a dog three months or older must have it vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. The statute makes an exception when a licensed veterinarian determines each year that the vaccine would endanger the dog's life.

After the dog reaches four months, the owner must secure a license for it at least once every two years. Dog licenses are handled locally. The statute says the license is issued under the ordinance of the responsible city or county. County and town offices are listed on the government page.

How to file a complaint about a veterinarian

Complaints go to the Veterinary Medical Board through its BreEZe online complaint system. The Board's complaint information page asks for a chronological summary with copies of letters, invoices, forms and medical records. Questions about the process go to (916) 515-5220.

The Board's authority covers violations of the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, including negligence, incompetence, fraud, deception, unprofessional conduct and the sanitary condition of a facility. It has no jurisdiction over fees. A complaint about a fee dispute or collection methods is closed, and the Board sends information on small claims court.

More pet and vehicle services are in the auto and pets section of the directory.

Who licenses veterinarians in California?

The California Veterinary Medical Board, which sits in the Department of Consumer Affairs. It licenses veterinarians, registers veterinary technicians, issues veterinary assistant controlled substance permits and registers veterinary premises. Its stated mission is to protect consumers and animals by regulating licensees and enforcing the California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act.

Does a veterinarian need a license in California?

Yes. Business and Professions Code section 4825 makes it unlawful to practice veterinary medicine in California without a valid, unexpired and unrevoked license. Practice includes diagnosing, prescribing, performing surgery or a dental operation on an animal, and using titles that suggest you are a veterinarian. The premises must also be registered with the Board.

How do I check a veterinarian's license in California?

Use the DCA License Search from the California Department of Consumer Affairs and choose the California Veterinary Medical Board. You can search by name or license number. Each record shows whether the license is current or expired and whether it has been disciplined. Veterinary premises and registered veterinary technicians are searchable there too.

How do I file a complaint against a veterinarian in California?

File through the Veterinary Medical Board's BreEZe online complaint system and include a chronological summary, records and invoices. The Board can investigate negligence, incompetence, fraud, deception, unprofessional conduct and the sanitary condition of a facility. It closes complaints about fee disputes and sends information on small claims court. Questions go to (916) 515-5220.

Can I get a copy of my pet's medical records from the vet?

Yes. Business and Professions Code section 4855 requires a veterinarian to provide a copy of the animal's record to the client within five days of a verbal or written request. The Veterinary Medical Board says records must be kept for three years after the last visit, and that there may be a cost for duplication.

Does my dog need a rabies vaccination and a license in Marin County?

Yes. Health and Safety Code section 121690 requires dog owners in rabies areas to have a dog vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian once it is three months or older, and to license it after it reaches four months. The state has declared all 58 counties rabies areas. The license itself comes under a local city or county ordinance.