California legislation which created CAHFS also created a Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Board to jointly advise the University of California and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) on all aspects of CAHFS operations, including, but not limited to, defining its programs and service policies and appropriate funding levels.   

The Advisory Board consists of representatives of the livestock and poultry industries and practicing veterinarians who utilize the laboratory services CAHFS provides. Members are appointed by the CDFA Director in consultation with the Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis. Included on the Board as ex-officio members are the Chief of the Bureau of Animal Health of the CDFA, the Assistant Area Veterinarian in charge of California for the United States Department of Agriculture, and the Director of CAHFS.