skip to content
In This Section arrow_downward arrow_upward

Partnership for improved access

The public expects access to timely and needed after-hours veterinary care services from veterinary professionals with whom they have formed a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

After Hours Veterinary Care

The current regulations require veterinarians to provide reasonably prompt services outside of regular practice hours if the services are medically necessary for animals that they have recently treated or treat regularly.

The regulations also state a veterinarian:

  • can provide these services themselves or by referral to another veterinarian;
  • is responsible for promptly continuing to provide medically necessary services to an animal after discharge from an emergency clinic; and
  • is responsible for informing their clients about their after-hours veterinary care arrangements.
Replay: After Hours Care Task Force Update, December 2023

A replay of the College Council's discussion at the December 2023 meeting on after hours care in relation to an update received from the After Hours Care Task Force.