The Veterinary Division protects the health of the state’s livestock and poultry population through the administration of regulatory animal health programs and disease testing conducted by the North Carolina Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System.

Responsibilities include the surveillance for, monitoring of, control of, and eradication of diseases; regulation of animal movements; inspections and testing on the farm and at markets and sales; providing diagnostic laboratory service to owners and their veterinarians; and conducting regulatory disease testing to facilitate interstate and export movement of livestock, poultry and food products.

Additionally, the Veterinary Division oversees the humane care and treatment of dogs and cats in animal shelters, boarding kennels, pet shops and pet auctions markets by enforcing the N.C. Animal Welfare Act and its regulations.