Transition Council moving ahead with regulatory concepts
June 3, 2025
Regulations for the next framework to govern veterinary medicine in Ontario took a significant step forward at the Transition Council’s recent meeting, says the Chair of the Transition Council.
“The Transition Council’s decisions move us towards the exciting new legislative framework for the College of Veterinary Professionals of Ontario (CVPO). Earlier this month, our Transition Council approved 19 of 22 proposed concepts which cover critical topics such as the licensure of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, access to veterinary prescriptions, and the authorized activities model which is central to team-based care.”
Catherine Knipe, Chair of the Transition Council
The Transition Council developed a range of proposed regulatory concepts which were circulated for extensive public consultation. The Transition Council reviewed feedback from more than 1,000 veterinarians, veterinary technicians, animal care providers, and members of the public. As well, 24 partner organizations shared their input on the proposed regulatory concepts.
“The consultation feedback ensures the proposed concepts reflect the perspectives, needs, and expectations of those impacted by the new regulatory framework. Our Transition Council has an ambitious agenda as we seek to enable team-based veterinary care, streamline regulatory process, and enhance public protection with strengthened oversight and quality assurance. We are proud to share the proposed regulatory concepts with the Ontario government, who will be developing the regulations.”
Catherine Knipe, Chair of the Transition Council
The Transition Council approved the following directions in the regulatory concepts:
- General, provisional, and short-term licensure categories for veterinarians and veterinary technicians
- A requirement for currently licensed veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technicians to complete a module in veterinary jurisprudence related to the new legislation
- A listing of activities that must be completed by a veterinarian, which includes prescribing a drug, medical assessments for soundness or fitness for purpose, major surgery, and dental extractions
- Details around order and initiation which are tools supporting team-based care by enabling competent veterinary technicians to perform authorized activities
- Prescription portability which ensures the veterinarian is responsible for informing clients they can receive a prescription, rather than have the drug dispensed from the veterinarian
- A requirement for veterinarians and veterinary technicians to participate in a quality assurance program which supports the delivery of safe, quality veterinary medicine by competent professionals
- Regulatory exemptions for non-veterinary animal care providers such as pharmacy professionals, animal rehabilitators, farriers, and hoof trimmers
The Transition Council will continue its work on the remaining regulatory concepts this summer. The outstanding proposed concepts consider chiropractors and animal care, regulatory exemptions for members, and the provisions of after-hours veterinary care.
The Veterinary Professionals Act established the Transition Council one year ago and provides them with the ability to determine regulations, by-laws and standards that will come into effect with the establishment of the CVPO. The Transition Council includes members of the Legacy Council and three Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVT), appointed by the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians.
For further information on the progress towards modernization and implementation of the Veterinary Professionals Act, please visit cvo.org/modernization.