Chatham veterinarian leads CVO Council in 2026

January 7, 2026

Dr. Louise Kelly, of Chatham, Ontario, is the 2026 President of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (College), the province’s regulatory and licensing body for Ontario’s 5,800 veterinarians.

“I am honoured to serve as the College President during this significant time in the veterinary profession’s history as we evolve into the College of Veterinary Professionals of Ontario (CVPO). Heading into 2026, I welcome the opportunity to lead the Legacy Council in overseeing the College’s ongoing work and to partner with the Transition Council, who is charged with establishing the CVPO.”

Dr. Louise Kelly, President of the College

Dr. Kelly has been practising veterinary medicine since graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2001. Born and raised in Timmins, Dr. Kelly currently works with companion animals as a locum veterinarian throughout Ontario. She has also previously worked in mixed animal medicine, focused on dairy cows. Dr. Kelly was elected to College Council in 2022 and has served on the Complaints, Registration, and Executive committees. 

“The Legacy Council continues to have a full agenda, bringing innovation and leadership to our strategic priorities. In 2026, we are continuing work on various projects, including antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary medicine, and implementation of limited licensure. Our two new advisory groups are researching workforce data, and shelter medicine and the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. As always, we are centred on the public interest.”

Dr. Kelly

Joining Dr. Kelly on the College’s Executive Committee are: Dr. Lena Levison, First Vice-President; Dr. Kathleen Day Dunbar, Second Vice-President; Dr. Jessica Retterath, Past President and Ms. Cathy Hecimovich, Member at Large. Appointments were also made to the College’s statutory committees and details can be found on the College’s website at www.cvo.org.

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 Legacy Council is comprised of 13 elected veterinarians and five public members, appointed by the provincial government. All members of the Legacy Council and three Registered Veterinary Technicians serve on the Transition Council which is preparing for the College’s evolution to the College of Veterinary Professionals of Ontario.