Veterinary Council of India (VCI) was established in 1989 by Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India as a statutory body under Indian Veterinary Council Act, 1984 (52 of 1984), to regulate Veterinary practice and Veterinary education across the country.

The VCI comprises of 27 members (14 nominated, 11 elected & 2 ex-officio), which looks after various committees (Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Regulation Committee, Education Committee, Registration Committee, Examination Committee, Disciplinary Committee, and Liaison Committee) constituted by it to look after its functioning.
For undertaking the various activities of the council, the council is provided financial assistance by Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India under a Plan Scheme titled “Professional Efficiency Development”.

The accounts of the council are audited by the representatives of the Principal Director of Audit, Economic and Service Ministries, Government of India every year according to the provisions of section 62 of VCI Act. The council presents the audited accounts before the Central government along with an Audit Certificate and an Annual Report of the Council. All the documents are then laid on the table of both the houses of Parliament.

After the establishment of Veterinary Council of India, various states have also established their own state veterinary councils. Thus today all states and union territories have their own veterinary council, which follow the provisions laid down in the Indian Veterinary Council Act (1984).