Transition Council submits regulatory concept recommendations to government
November 10, 2025
The Transition Council has submitted its regulatory concept recommendations to the provincial government. This includes recommendations on the licensure of veterinary technicians, details on the authorized activities model, and the introduction of a mandatory quality assurance program.
“This is a proud moment and a significant step towards delivering safe, accessible and accountable veterinary care in Ontario, through the regulatory framework of the College of Veterinary Professionals of Ontario. These regulatory concept recommendations reflect the one profession, two professionals model and encourage collaboration, cooperation, and innovation in the delivery of animal health care services in Ontario.”
Catherine Knipe, Chair of the Transition Council
Over the past year, the Transition Council reviewed regulatory concepts which proposed direction on several key areas. Transition Council’s recommendations were circulated for an extensive public consultation, before being finalized for submission to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. The ministry will draft the regulations that support the Veterinary Professionals Act.
Transition Council Regulatory Concept Recommendations Supporting the Implementation of the Veterinary Professionals Act, 2024 offers guidance in 26 areas. Highlights include:
- General, provisional, and short-term licensure categories for veterinarians and veterinary technicians
- Definitions of order and initiation which are tools supporting team-based care by enabling veterinary technicians to perform authorized activities
- A list of higher risk authorized activities that must only be completed by a veterinarian, which includes prescribing a drug, medical assessments for soundness or fitness for purpose, major surgery, and dental extractions
- Regulatory exemptions which permit non-veterinary animal care providers, such as chiropractors, pharmacy professionals and those working in animal rehabilitation, to perform an authorized activity
- Prescription portability which ensures the veterinarian is responsible for informing clients they can receive a prescription, rather than have the drug dispensed from the veterinary facility
- A requirement for veterinarians and veterinary technicians to participate in a quality assurance program
“This is a pinnacle moment for veterinary professionals and the delivery of veterinary medicine in Ontario. Our Transition Council is energized as we progress towards a robust framework that strengthens public protection and more accurately reflects modern veterinary practice,”
Catherine Knipe
The Transition Council is now working on By-Laws, policies and standards to support the CVPO. For further information on the progress towards modernization and implementation of the Veterinary Professionals Act, please visit cvo.org/modernization.
The Veterinary Professionals Act established the Transition Council and provides it with the ability to propose 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, appointed by the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians.