College Connection | Spring 2026
Three actions to impact your practice
College Connection | Spring 2026
PRACTICE ADVISORY SERVICE
Three actions to impact your practice
The College is sharing information on three items that are consistently topics of inquiry to the Practice Advisory Service. Taking action in these three areas can assist you in providing quality care and service and meet the expectations for practising veterinary medicine in Ontario.
Did you know?
• There is no requirement for an annual examination in College policy.
• Clients have the right to access a copy of their medical records.
• A veterinarian is obligated to provide a written prescription.
Releasing medical records
The information in the animal’ s medical record belongs to the client. As a result, the client has the right to access the content of the record. When a client requests a copy of the medical record, a veterinarian should provide a copy within two business days. This includes requests for a copy of the complete medical record.
A veterinarian cannot withhold a medical record because of any outstanding invoices. This includes unpaid fees related to providing a copy of the medical record.
The information cards have been sent to veterinary facilities. Please contact the Practice Advisory Service with any quesions.
Homewood Health Program Confidential Ontario Toll-free Line: 1-866-826-4440
The Homewood Health Program supports the health, well-being and resilience of veterinarians.
Stay Well
Your health is important to your competence.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION INCLUDES INFORMATIVE ARTICLES YOU CAN SHARE
Stay connected with trends related to veterinary medicine and public health through Community Connection, the College’ s free public newsletter. The newsletter shares tips and updates on One Health, focusing on the connection between the well-being of people, animals and communities. Recent issues include articles on outdoor pet safety, wildlife-friendly practices, food safety, parasites, and emerging public health concerns.
The College encourages veterinary teams to share the newsletter with staff and clients, and to use Community Connection articles within their own communications. To subscribe and view past issues, visit cvo. org / about / subscribe-to-community-connection. 2-71 Hanlon Creek Blvd, Guelph, ON N1C 0B1 Phone:( 519) 824-5600 | Toll-free: 1-800-424-2856 Fax:( 519) 824-6497 | Toll-free fax: 1-888-662-9479 inquiries @ cvo. org
Editor: Jan Robinson Assistant to the Editor: Kim Huson
Publication mail agreement number: 40583010
College Connection is the official publication of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario, informing members on regulatory issues, with the expectation that members will govern themselves accordingly. College Connection is charged with the responsibility of providing comprehensive, accurate and defensible information. cvo. org 8