The Ontario government says it is modernizing the Veterinary Assistance Program to improve access to veterinary care for livestock producers in rural and northern communities.
The program, first introduced in 1945, provides financial support to veterinarians delivering on farm care across Ontario. The province completed its first formal review of the program since 2004 last year, consulting with veterinarians, producers and sector partners.
Beginning April 1, 2026, several updates will take effect. All eligible veterinary practices serving designated areas will be able to apply directly to the Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth. Registered veterinary technicians will now be recognized as eligible participants, and honeybees and fish have been added as eligible livestock.
The province is also increasing the call compensation rate for isolated veterinarians by nine per cent and boosting the per kilometre travel rate for non isolated veterinarians by 30 cents. Telemedicine will become an eligible expense.
Ontario says its agri food sector supports more than 867,000 jobs and contributes $51.4 billion to provincial GDP. Officials say the updated program is intended to improve access, ensure funding is fully utilized and support the long term sustainability of veterinary services in underserved regions.
Veterinary practices can begin submitting applications for the 2026 to 2027 funding round in late March.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
