At its June 2019 meeting, Council approved revisions to the Code of Ethics for public consultation.

The foundation documents of a profession articulate the framework in which professional duties are carried out. These documents include Professional Practice Standards, Regulations, and a Code of Ethics. 

As members of a regulated profession who serve in the public interest, veterinarians earn and maintain the public trust through engagement in principle-guided, ethical practice. Veterinarians hold themselves, their colleagues, and their profession to a high standard of ethical conduct, reflecting the core values and principles of the profession. The College and the public have the reasonable expectation that the care and service provided by veterinarians reflect these values. As societal ethics evolve regarding animals, veterinarians should take a leadership role to assure that such evolution is rational and sustainable.

The College’s Code of Ethics, which was introduced in 2015, is intended to help guide decision-making. The revised version incorporates Council’s most current work on professionalism, competence and ethics.

Download Report on Consultation - Code of Ethics