Current Landscape of Veterinary Technology in BC
Registered Veterinary Technologists (RVTs) are essential, highly trained professionals who play a critical role in delivering safe, effective veterinary care in British Columbia.
Clinics across the province increasingly rely on RVTs to improve team efficiency, expand access to care, and meet rising demand for veterinary services. Yet, British Columbia remains the sole province in Western Canada lacking regulation in this field – a gap that potentially puts the public, animals and the profession at risk.
The BCVTA is working to change this. Regulation would align B.C. with national standards, provide legal recognition for RVTs, and strengthen the veterinary profession as a whole, benefiting animals, veterinary teams, and the people who depend on them.
BCVTA Proposed Regulatory Model
Government & Licensure
- Co-regulation within CVBC (or future Veterinary Professionals framework), with statutory RVT seats on Council
- RVT representation on registration, scope/standards, and investigations/discipline committees
- Dedicated RVT complaints/discipline panel under the regulator
Licensure and Registration
- Primary licensure issued by CVBC Prefer dual registration (CVBC + BCVTA) but if not feasible in legislation, implement formal MOU with auto-enrollment and data-sharing
- RVT fee schedule calibrated to wages; explore transitional funding to boost College changeover
Scope of Practice and Design
- Authorized activities enumerated in regulation, updated via rulemaking
- Tiered supervision mapped to activities based on risk level
- Retain diagnosis/prescribing/surgery for veterinarians
- Allow delegation to non-credentialed individuals under direct supervision of DVMs for low-risk tasks only
Task Initiation
- Permit RVT initiation for defined low-risk tasks under standing orders/protocols (e.g., venipuncture, routine sample collection, non-controlled vaccinations), with training/experience thresholds
- Require vet delegation for medium/high-risk tasks or anything tied to diagnosis/treatment/prescribing
Public Protection & CE
- Formal complaints/discipline for RVTs
- Public register CE as legal requirement
- Regulator audits compliance
- BCVTA administers offerings and records via data-sharing.
Title Protection and Enforcement
- Statutory protection of “RVT” and derivatives of the title
- Reserved tasks tied to licensure
- Enforcement against misuse by non-RVTs
What Comes Next?
Our focus in the beginning of 2026 is on clarifying the details of our legislative proposal and direct engagement
with key veterinary stakeholders to socialize and discuss the concept of regulatory
modernization as follows:
- Host a facilitated meeting with invited veterinarians to discuss the regulatory model.
- Work with Hill and Knowlton to develop an advice note to the Ministry of Agriculture detailing the “Made-in BC” Model.
- Engage directly with the College of Veterinarians of BC, the Society for BC Veterinarians, and veterinarians on the topic of regulatory
modernization to mitigate against negative feedback & secure their support for our proposal. - Engage directly with the BC government & other veterinary stakeholders after engagement with the College & Society.
- Provide ongoing communications to BCVTA members to provide updates on the work towards modernization.
FAQs
Regulation would establish public oversight through a regulatory body with clear standards for licensing, continuing education and professional accountability. Regulation affirms the value of RVTs, elevates the profession, and provides the legal tools to ensure safe, high-quality care province wide.
Regulation would give RVTs formal recognition under provincial law, defining their role, responsibilities, and scope of authorized activities within veterinary teams . This is similar to other provinces including Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
If RVTs become regulated in BC, the use of the title “Registered Veterinary Technologist” would be protected under provincial law and restricted to individuals who meet the required educational and licensing standards. This would strengthen the meaning and credibility of the RVT designation.
While enforcement would fall under the regulator, we expect that legal recognition will lead to a natural and ongoing reduction in the misuse of the title. Clinics and employers will have clearer guidance on who can legally perform RVT duties, and the public will have greater confidence in who is providing care.
For most RVTs currently practicing, regulation is not expected to change day-to-day responsibilities, however, it will provide clarity and legal backing for what RVTs can and cannot do.
Defining a scope of authorized activities in law ensures that RVTs can work to their full training and that unqualified individuals are not permitted to perform regulated medical tasks. This can help reduce role confusion in clinics, support better team collaboration and increase confidence in delegation by veterinarians.
Regulation ensures that only individuals who meet defined education, credentialing, and professional standards can call themselves Registered Veterinary Technologists. This protects animal owners by creating clear expectations around who is qualified to deliver care and what responsibilities they are authorized to perform.
For the public, regulation builds trust in the veterinary system by establishing accountability. It means there is a mechanism in place to address concerns if standards are not met, and it helps ensure consistent, safe care across all veterinary settings in the province.
Yes. In every province where RVTs are regulated, a professional association continues to play a vital role. BCVTA would continue to represent and support RVTs through advocacy, continuing education, networking and member engagement, much like ABVTA in Alberta and SAVT in Saskatchewan. Regulation would complement, not replace, the work BCVTA does to elevate the profession.
BC is one of the last provinces without formal regulation for RVTs. Eight provinces have already moved forward with legal recognition, and Ontario recently passed new legislation creating an integrated veterinary regulator that includes RVTs. There is growing political and professional momentum across the country to align with national standards. Regulation is a necessary next step to strengthen the profession in BC.
Get Involved: Your Voice Matters
There are several ways to participate in the regulatory process:
- Attend town hall meetings and AGMs, and read communications from the BCVTA for upcoming meetings and notices for review of documents.
- Encourage your veterinary colleagues to keep up to date on the regulation process with the CVBC.
- Consider volunteering with the BCVTA when opportunities arise.
For additional questions, contact us at executivedirector@bcvta.com