10 | CVO ANNUAL REPORT 2025
Creating space for innovation and technology
A sustainable future for veterinary medicine in Ontario depends on understanding, appreciating, and supporting innovation and emerging technology. The College has a long history of embracing technology and fostering new approaches in a safe environment.
• Embracing Innovation and the Digital Age in Veterinary Medicine: The College Council approved a position statement on Embracing Innovation and the Digital Age in Veterinary Medicine which encourages innovation within the veterinary community while acknowledging the need to manage risks in an unregulated environment. Late in 2024, the College published a companion guide, Use of Medical Devices Enabled by Artificial Intelligence in the practice of veterinary medicine, which helps veterinarians adopt medical devices enabled by artificial intelligence( AI) in their practice.
• Innovation panel: The Ontario Veterinary Regulatory Innovation Panel continues to meet and provide advice on how to support innovation in veterinary practice in Ontario. The Panel plans to host discussions to learn more about regulation of AI devices in human medicine, how international veterinary regulators are currently managing AI devices, and how to best support veterinary decision-making when it includes the use of technology.
• Regulatory sandboxes: The Ontario Veterinary Regulatory Sandbox is a Council initiative which supports problem-solving through innovative strategy. It permits the managed exemption of certain regulatory requirements to test new products, services or ways of practising veterinary medicine on a time limited basis and with appropriate safeguards for public protection. Council continues to review, approve and monitor sandbox approaches which bring innovative solutions to the delivery of veterinary care throughout Ontario.
The College has a long history of embracing technology and fostering new approaches in a safe environment.