Legislation meant to help address the veterinary shortage in Indiana moves to the House

Friday, February 6, 2026 at 8:54 AM

By Staff report

A bill authored by State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) to expand the pool of veterinarians and veterinary technicians in Indiana passed out of the House Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development today with unanimous support.

Senate Bill 56 would help address the veterinary shortage in Indiana by giving out-of-state veterinarians and veterinary technicians the opportunity to care for animals in Indiana.

The bill would allow the Board of Veterinary Medicine to issue licenses without requiring an examination for applicants who have out-of-state licenses. This law would bring veterinarians and veterinary technicians under the same rules that apply for other types of health care professionals.

"This bill would go a long way in helping address the veterinary shortage in Indiana. By allowing veterinarians from other states to practice in Indiana, our farmers will have more options to choose from when their animals need care," Leising said. "I look forward to guiding this bill through the rest of the legislative process."

The bill now moves to the full House of Representatives for further consideration.