College releases 2024 Annual Report
January 7, 2025
The College of Veterinarians of Ontario (College) licensed 5,720 Ontario veterinarians last year, an increase of 12 percent since 2020, according to the 2024 Annual Report “History in the Making”.
“The 2024 Annual Report reflects a pinnacle moment in the College’s rich history as we progress towards our new legislation, the Veterinary Professionals Act. This past year has been intense and focused as we embrace the privilege of setting the stage for the future of the veterinary profession in Ontario.”
Dr. Jessica Retterath, President of the College
The Veterinary Professionals Act received Royal Assent in the Ontario legislature on June 6, 2024. This historic moment demonstrated the College Council’s 11-year commitment to modernized legislation and collaboration with several partners and the provincial government. The Veterinary Professionals Act represents the biggest update to the regulation of veterinary medicine in over 30 years.
The College is energized while moving through the transition process with two Councils. The Legacy Council is focused on College operations and member matters under the Veterinarians Act and the Transition Council is supporting the development of the College of Veterinary Professionals of Ontario.
“While the modernized legislation has been our primary focus, work continues on all of our current strategic priorities. The 2024 Annual Report shares the highlights which include several innovative initiatives which support the public’s access to safe, quality veterinary medicine in Ontario.”
Dr. Retterath
The 2024 Annual Report provides an overview of initiatives underway in limited licensure, team-based care, and language skills evaluation. Council continues to support proposals through its regulatory sandbox to bring innovative approaches to the delivery of veterinary care in Ontario. Further, recent work in the promotion of One Health includes a promotional kit for companion animal clinics and farm family checklist. Education on the role of veterinary teams in antimicrobial stewardship continues to remain important.
The 2024 Annual Report includes a Supplementary Data Report which compiles data across all College programs over the past five years. The College issued 5,720 licences, 80 percent of whom work in private practice. In investigations and hearings, the Complaints Committee reviewed 169 complaints involving 206 veterinarians. The Discipline Committee heard 8 cases involving 7 veterinarians. Further, the College's practice advisory service responded to 1,915 inquiries from veterinary teams and the public. The 2024 Annual Report and the Supplementary Data Report are available on the College website.
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. The College’s governing Council is comprised of 13 elected veterinarians and five public members, appointed by the provincial government.