All facilities where veterinary medicine is practiced in Ontario, including mobile facilities, must meet accreditation standards established by the CVO.  A facility must meet the requirements of one of the 15 accreditation categories.  The requirements of each category are tailored to meet the requirements of the type of practice and the needs of the animals served.

All veterinary facilities in Ontario are visited by inspectors who report their findings to CVO.  When facilities meet all requirements, they become "accredited".  A Certificate of Accreditation is issued upon accreditation.  A facility must have achieved accreditation prior to operating.  If there are no changes in ownership or to the facility, the Certificate of Accreditation is valid for five years.

Over 1200 facilities are accredited in Ontario.  Inspections are carried out before a new facility opens, when a facility moves, when a facility adds or changes a category, when re-accreditation is required at the end of a five year accreditation term and when there is a change of ownership of an existing facility.

Facility accreditation ensures that all veterinary facilities in Ontario have an environment and the essential equipment required for patient care.  Veterinary facilities are inspected for specific equipment requirement; proper patient records; safe drug storage; a medical reference library; and orderly and sanitary premises.

Veterinarians are not limited to the minimum requirements described in the Minimum Standards for Veterinary Facilities in Ontario, but must meet those requirements.  Ontario veterinarians demonstrate a commitment to veterinary health care by meeting the accreditation requirements and supporting the inspection program established by the CVO.

The accreditation committee, premises inspectors, staff and practising veterinarians work together to maintain and enhance the quality of veterinary premises standards that exist in Ontario. The CVO also monitors trends in the practice and technology of veterinary medicine and amends accreditation standards, when necessary, to keep up with advances in the profession.

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Related Legislation:

        Minimum Standards For Veterinary Facilities in Ontario
        Ontario Regulation 1093