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Supporting new licensees

Congratulations on meeting the entry-to-practice requirements for licensure with the College.

Our goal is to assist you in understanding your ethical, legal and professional obligations as a licensed veterinarian. We also have resources available to support you in providing quality care and service. 

Your responsibilities 

As a licensed member, you have a role in protecting the public’s right to safe, competent and ethical care. Only licensees of the College can use the protected title “Veterinarian,” along with the professional designation, Doctor.

Along with the privilege of profession-based regulation comes responsibility. Now that you are licensed, you have responsibilities to remain suitable to practice. Each year, you will need to do the following:

  1. Renew your licence before the end of November. 
  2. Participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD). You are required to report the number of CPD hours you complete each year. This information is collected when you renew your licence. The CPD Activity Log is available in the Professional Practice Portal.  

Your other ongoing professional obligations include:

  • Abiding by the Professional Practice Standards and Code of Ethics and being aware of any changes that take place.
  • Ensuring your information on the Public Register is current. The College’s by-laws require you to update certain information, in writing, within 30 days of the change. Changes to your home, work or e-mail address can be made in the Professional Practice Portal. Please be sure to include any updates to phone numbers. When making changes to work information, provide the end date of the position you left and the start date of the new position.
  • Cooperating with the College in the event a complaint is alleged against you.
  • Mandatory self-reporting of certain events including a change to professional conduct and suitability to practice information to the College.

Licensed members are expected to understand and comply with the professional, legal and ethical requirements governing their practise. Legislation, Regulation, By-laws and Professional Practice Standards are documents that assist you in understanding what is expected in the delivery of safe, quality care and service.  

Resources to support you

The College has a number of resources to support you. 

Practice Advisory Service

The Practice Advisory Service can assist you with information on regulations, policy and expectations associated with the practice of veterinary medicine in Ontario. This service is free and confidential. You can contact our team by emailing practiceadvice@cvo.org or by calling 1-800-424-2856 extension 2401. 

Stay up to date

Visit the veterinary professionals section of the College’s website to access supports, such as learning modules, videos and the ethics resource hub.

College Connection, the College's quarterly newsletter, contains information concerning policy developments, quality practice initiatives, Council news and learning in practice. E-Update, a digital newsletter, will be sent to you monthly providing information about policy changes, events and opportunities.

Podcasts and videos on a wide variety of topics important to your practice are available. You can also follow the College on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Your well-being is important

To assist you in identifying when and where to seek help, the College provides well-being resources on the website

As well, the College partners with Homewood Health to link you to resources to support your health, well-being and resilience. Confidential Ontario Toll-free Line: 1 866 826-4440.

Facility accreditation

Veterinarians who provide clinical care to animals in Ontario must practise from a veterinary facility that has been accredited by the College. The College’s Facility Accreditation program ensures veterinary facilities provide a professional environment and contain the essential equipment required for patient care.

​Peer Advisory Conversation

The Peer Advisory Conversation supports you in assessing your practice against professional standards and identifying opportunities for learning. The Peer Advisory Conversation provides a positive learning experience for veterinarians. Through conversation with a trained Peer Advisor, you will find support in your efforts to deliver quality care and service. The conversation includes tips for managing risk areas; insight into practice standards and regulatory requirements; and gives suggestions for continuing professional development.

​Peer Review of Medical Records

Veterinary practices chosen for a Peer Review of Medical Records are identified through a random selection process and will be contacted by the College. Individual veterinarians or veterinary practices may volunteer to participate in a Peer Review of Medical Records. Records submissions from a practice must be submitted by the facility director or be accompanied by the facility director’s permission to participate.

​Professional Corporations

Licensed veterinarians are permitted to establish a professional corporation in the Province of Ontario for the purpose of practising veterinary medicine. Licensed veterinarians who intend to incorporate must also follow the regulations and restrictions outlined in both the Ontario Business Corporations Act and the College By-Laws. Click here for information about professional corporations and the process to obtain a Certificate of Authorization from the College.