New legislation to govern veterinary profession

June 6, 2024

The Veterinary Professionals Act is good news for the animal-owning public and the veterinary profession, says the President of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (College).

“We are so pleased and proud to see the Ontario legislature give unanimous approval for our new governing framework. This achievement reflects the work, vision, and leadership of our College Councils for the past 11 years. We look forward to a future with legislation that equips our College and the veterinary profession to better serve the public.”

Dr. Wade Wright, President of the College

The Veterinary Professionals Act received Royal Assent on June 6, 2024. The College will soon establish a transition Council that will begin drafting regulations and By-Laws as the College moves towards its new mandate as the College of Veterinary Professionals of Ontario.

The new legislation:

• supports team-based care, by recognizing the important role served by veterinarians and veterinary technicians;
• enhances governance;
• develops a formal quality assurance program;
• streamlines the complaints and resolutions process; and
• enables non-veterinarians to provide care to animals using lower-risk forms of treatment.

“Along with our partners at the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association and the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians, we have been advocating for a modern approach to the regulation of veterinary medicine to enable us to address current challenges and support access to care. We are committed to team-based care, licensure of veterinary technicians, quality veterinary care, regulatory effectiveness, and recognition of competent, non-veterinary animal care providers.”

Dr. Wright

“We look forward to welcoming veterinary technicians as we evolve into the College of Veterinary Professionals of Ontario. Our Council and our College are committed to regulatory effectiveness and supporting the public’s access to safe, quality veterinary medicine.” 

Jan Robinson, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer at the College

The College Council has been working towards the modernization of its governing legislation for several years and forwarded recommendations to the province in 2018.

The College is committed to managing the risks involved in the practice of veterinary medicine in Ontario and working to reduce any potential for harm to animals and to people. Currently, the College licenses approximately 5,500 veterinarians and accredits 2,400 veterinary facilities.