Message from the Registrar

The College of Veterinarians of Ontario exists to protect and serve the public interest in the regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine in Ontario. In efforts to fulfill that mandate, the College is a resource for the public and for the veterinary profession. 

The public trusts the College to ensure they have access to safe, competent and ethical veterinary care for their animals and to promote public health.  Every veterinarian in Ontario must meet the College’s requirements to obtain a licence and must continue to meet the standards for professional conduct and practice.

Veterinarians in Ontario are fortunate to have status as a self-regulating profession which gives the profession a voice in assuring its standards and determining who is entitled to use the title veterinarian.  In exchange for the privilege of self-regulation, veterinarians in Ontario ensure that public safety, quality veterinary medicine and animal welfare are their top priorities.

The College is dedicated to protecting the public’s right to safe, competent and ethical veterinary care.  In Ontario, veterinarians can be found in traditional roles -- providing services to companion animals in clinics and animal hospitals and travelling throughout rural communities tending to farm animals.  Veterinarians also work in research, food safety and public health programs.  Regardless of the aspect of veterinary medicine being performed, every veterinarian in Ontario must meet the College’s standards for entry into the profession and standards for professional conduct and practice.

The College is committed to the effective regulation of veterinary medicine within the province. The College Council regularly analyzes current and emerging risks in the practice of the veterinary medicine in Ontario. The College’s programs and policies support the prevention and reduction of potential harm related to identified risks, and promote professionalism in veterinary practice.

Through this website, the College provides a range of information for the public, licensed members and new applicants concerning the governing Council, the College’s programs and initiatives, as well as policy documents and professional practice standards.

The College welcomes its role and responsibility in protecting the public's right to safe, competent and ethical veterinary care.

Jan Robinson
Registrar & Chief Executive Officer
College of Veterinarians of Ontario