What should clients do if they have complaints about a licensed veterinarian in Texas?

The correct response involves contacting the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) as it serves as a professional organization that assists with various concerns regarding veterinary practices, including complaints about licensed veterinarians. The TVMA provides resources and guidance on how to address these issues effectively. They have established protocols for handling complaints, ensuring that they are taken seriously and investigated appropriately.

While discussing the issue directly with the veterinarian may seem like a reasonable first step in some cases, it is not the formal process for filing complaints or seeking redress within the professional framework. Mediation services could be an option, but this typically falls under voluntary dispute resolution rather than formal complaint processes. Filing a complaint with local law enforcement is not suitable unless there is an immediate or serious legal violation, as veterinary complaints are generally addressed within the veterinary regulatory system rather than the criminal justice system. Therefore, contacting the TVMA is the most appropriate action for clients who have concerns about a licensed veterinarian in Texas.