New law allows provisional licenses to expand veterinary services

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón signed Law 25-2026, which amends the Puerto Rico Veterinary Practice Act to clarify revalidation requirements and create a provisional licensing mechanism to expand the availability of veterinary services on the island.

The measure, corresponding to Senate Bill 110, was authored by Sen. Carmelo Ríos and amends Articles 3 and 12, as well as adding a new Article 12.2 to Law Number 194 of Aug. 4, 1979, as amended.

“Experts recommend taking pets to the veterinarian at least once a year for a general checkup to assess the animal’s physical health, weight, dental condition, skin, eyes, and ears, as well as any signs of underlying diseases. For senior pets, checkups may be recommended more frequently, such as every six months,” González Colón in a written statement. “They also recommend a series of essential vaccinations, mostly annual, that protect against common and serious diseases; some of these are required by law. These visits and vaccinations help prevent serious illnesses and detect health problems before they become more serious, contributing to a longer, healthier life for pets.”

The new law establishes a mechanism for students or professionals trained in the United States or abroad to enter the workforce under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian while they complete certification and recertification requirements.

As explained, the number of pets in homes has increased in recent years, leading to a greater demand for veterinary services, without a corresponding increase in the number of practicing veterinarians in Puerto Rico.

The legislation aims to facilitate the reintegration of new professionals into the market, allow them to gain supervised experience, and contribute to strengthening the network of veterinary services to serve both pets and the productive sectors that depend on those services.