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:
Renew your licence before the end of November.
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.
The Practice Advisory Service can assist you with information on regulations, policy and expectations associated with the practice of veterinary medicine in Ontario.
The College publications contain information concerning policy developments, quality practice initiatives, and Council news. E-Update, a digital newsletter, also provides information about policy changes, events and opportunities. Podcasts and videos cover topics important to practice.
To assist you in identifying when and where to seek help, the College provides several well-being resources. 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.
Licensed veterinarians can establish a professional corporation for the purpose of practising veterinary medicine. Licensed veterinarians who intend to incorporate must also follow the regulations and restrictions outlined in the Ontario Business Corporations Act and the College By-Laws.
The College’s governing Council and its committees meet regularly to make decisions on policies and initiatives which serve the public interest. Council meetings are open the public.
