I am writing as a concerned resident of Wisconsin, deeply affected by the critical shortage of veterinary professionals in our state. This issue hits close to home as my community has experienced firsthand the struggles of finding timely veterinary care for our beloved pets and livestock. As it stands, countless foreign-trained veterinary graduates, who are fully qualified and eager to contribute, find their dreams halted by systemic barriers to licensure.

The State of Wisconsin faces an undeniable shortage of veterinary practitioners, an issue exacerbated by the stringent requirements that prevent many highly skilled foreign-trained graduates from entering the workforce under adequate supervision. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the United States is projected to have a shortage of 15,000 veterinarians by 2030, especially in rural and underserved areas like much of Wisconsin. This translates to longer wait times for appointments, overworked existing veterinarians, and a decline in animal health and welfare.

Currently, licensure for veterinary practitioners in Wisconsin is limited to those who have graduated from American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited programs. However, this restricts many talented foreign-trained individuals who are nonetheless capable of practicing high-quality veterinary care under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian.

We propose the creation of a provisional pathway for these foreign graduates to practice under supervision, thereby alleviating the current inadequacies in our veterinary care system. By allowing foreign-trained veterinarians to gain practical experience in Wisconsin, not only do we help solve the workforce shortage, but we also enrich our community with diverse perspectives and international expertise.

To address this, we petition the Veterinary Examining Board of Wisconsin to amend their administrative rules. Specifically, we seek the establishment of temporary and provisional permits for graduates of non-AVMA-accredited institutions. These permits would allow them to practice under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, ensuring quality and oversight while they obtain the necessary credentials to practice independently.

This approach has proven successful in other professions across various U.S. states. It supports both the newcomers who wish to add their skills to our workforce and the residents who desperately need their services. A fair and feasible pathway would not only enhance animal care but also drive economic growth and professional development within our communities.

II. PROPOSED RULE CHANGES
The petitioners request that the Board amend Wis. Admin. Code Chapter VE 1 and Chapter VE 3 (or create matching sub-chapters) to establish a distinct pathway for a Supervised Temporary Pipeline Permit.

Specifically, the rule change should:

Expand Eligibility: Allow graduates of foreign, non-AVMA accredited veterinary colleges who are actively enrolled in and pursuing certification through the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) or the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) to apply for a temporary permit.
Establish Supervised Practice: Authorize these candidates to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Wisconsin under the direct, continuous supervision of a fully licensed, Wisconsin-based veterinarian in good standing.
Define Duration: Grant the permit for a term of up to two (2) years, or until the candidate completes their clinical proficiency milestones (CPE or PAVE clinical year), with provisions for renewals upon showing proof of active testing progress.

III. STATEMENT OF CURRENT LAW & UNINTENTIONAL GAPS
Current Wisconsin administrative code restricts temporary veterinary permits primarily to applicants who have already passed the NAVLE and are awaiting final licensure board review, or to out-of-state licensees.

While the Board is currently reviewing licensing gaps under clearinghouse rule CR 25-006, a severe structural gap remains. International veterinary graduates (IVGs) who reside in Wisconsin or wish to move here are trapped in multi-year testing bottlenecks for the ECFVG Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE). Under current rules, these highly trained professionals cannot utilize their skills to support overextended Wisconsin clinics, even under strict oversight. This standard is significantly more restrictive than models adopted by states like New Hampshire, Kentucky, and Utah.

IV. REASONING AND JUSTIFICATION
Mitigation of the Veterinary Shortage: Wisconsin is facing a chronic shortage of urban and rural veterinarians, threatening both companion animal care and agricultural food supply safety. Utilizing under-utilized, foreign-trained professionals under strict supervision immediately injects qualified staff into the workforce.
Public Safety Safeguards: Public safety is thoroughly protected because the permit explicitly requires direct supervision by a Wisconsin-licensed veterinarian who assumes ultimate liability for all medical decisions and surgical procedures.
Curricular Parity: Domestic veterinary graduates are routinely granted licensure and begin practicing without independent verification of specific solo surgical competencies (e.g., canine spays). Requiring foreign graduates to operate completely outside the workforce while awaiting an artificial, high-stakes 3-day practical exam creates an asymmetrical barrier to entry that does not accurately reflect day-one practice realities.

V. CONCLUSION AND PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, the petitioners respectfully request that the Wisconsin Veterinary Examining Board accept this petition, schedule it for formal consideration at its next available meeting, and initiate formal rulemaking proceedings pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 227.12 to amend the administrative code as described.

Dated this 8th day of September, 2026.

We, the undersigned, implore the Veterinary Examining Board to take immediate action. By supporting this petition, you are helping to mitigate a critical shortage, improving veterinary care accessibility, and fostering a richer, more diverse professional environment in Wisconsin. Please join us in championing this vital cause—your signature is the first step in making a meaningful impact. Sign this petition today for a better future for our pets, communities, and veterinary professionals.