Access to veterinary care remains a major challenge for pet guardians across Canada. A recent study by PetSmart Charities of Canada found that 50 per cent of pet guardians did not pursue necessary veterinary care due to financial or other access-related barriers.
In British Columbia, the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia (CVBC) regulates the veterinary profession. All veterinarians must be licensed by the CVBC and adhere to its standards of practice and conduct. The CVBC’s mandate is not only to oversee the profession but also to protect public interest pertaining to animal welfare and to ensure that animals are not falling through the cracks of the system.
Last week, the CVBC opened a bylaw voting period for its registrants to consider revised fees and assessments. The CVBC has reported operating deficits in both 2023 and 2024 and is projected to become insolvent by May 2026 without increased funding. It is currently unclear what the regulation of veterinary medicine in B.C. would look like if the CVBC can no longer fulfill this role due to insolvency.
A strong regulatory body focused on public interest is essential to improving ongoing challenges with access to affordable veterinary services, and to ensuring ethical and competent veterinary care across British Columbia. The BC SPCA supports the CVBC’s proposed fee increases and encourages registrants to vote in favour of the resolution.
For more information or voting details related to the 2025 Registrant Vote on Revised Fees and Assessments, visit the CVBC’s website.