Accreditation

In Ontario, a veterinarian who provides clinical care to animals must practise from an accredited veterinary facility.

The College’s Facility Accreditation program ensures veterinary facilities provide a professional environment and contain the essential equipment required for patient care. 

There are currently more than 1,700 veterinary practices operating 2,400 facilities (including mobiles) in Ontario. All veterinary facilities, including mobile facilities, must meet the College’s accreditation standards contained in the Minimum Standards for Veterinary Facilities in Ontario. 

Ontario’s veterinary facilities are inspected by the College every five years. When facilities meet all accreditation standards, they receive a Certificate of Accreditation. When the five-year period ends, Facility Directors must apply for an inspection to renew their Certificate of Accreditation. 

In addition to renewing a Certificate of Accreditation, an inspection is needed for:

• Change in ownership
• Relocation
• Adding/Changes to the type of facility
• New practice

Minimum Standards for Veterinary Facilities in Ontario

Veterinary facilities must meet the requirements contained in the Minimum Standards for Veterinary Facilities in Ontario to receive a Certificate of Accreditation. The Minimum Standards are created and revised by the profession to assure the public veterinary facilities contain the essential equipment and resources required for the provision of quality services.

Ontario veterinarians demonstrate a commitment to patient care by meeting the accreditation standards and supporting the inspection program established by the College.

The Accreditation Committee, a statutory committee of the College, has the authority to grant exemptions to the standards when it deems that an exemption serves the public interest. On inspection, if any standard is not met, the facility director is given time to demonstrate compliance or to submit a request for an exemption to the Accreditation Committee. Learn more about the Accreditation Committee and requesting an exemption.

Applying for an accreditation inspection? Start here.

We recommend that you click on the following links and read through the information that is applicable to you:

I am...

• Opening a new practice
• Renewing the accreditation on my practice
• Changing the name of a practice
• Relocating my practice
• Purchasing an existing practice
• Adding or changing a category for my practice
• Changing the directorship of my practice
• Closing my facility

Preparing for an inspection

If you are in the process of preparing for an inspection, please visit our Preparing for Inspection section. It contains important information to support you in a successful inspection. 

Here to assist you

We understand that having your facility inspected and accredited is an important part of your role as a facility director, and we want to support you with clear information about our processes in accordance with our Service Commitment. 

You are welcome to email us at accreditation@cvo.org with any further questions.