The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), the national voice of Canada’s veterinarians, is calling on federal and provincial governments to address three critical challenges threatening animal health, food security, and the well-being of veterinary professionals: severe shortages of essential veterinary medications, a widening workforce gap among veterinarians and veterinary technicians, and escalating mental health pressures within the profession.
Veterinarians across Canada are facing unprecedented shortages of antibiotics, sedatives, vaccines, and other essential animal health products. Approved antimicrobial drugs for livestock, including dairy cattle, swine, and poultry, are increasingly unavailable, compromising food safety and security and forcing reliance on less effective treatments.
“Without these medications, veterinarians cannot properly do their jobs, and animals suffer,” said Tracy Fisher, President of the CVMA. “This is not an abstract problem; it affects every Canadian through higher food prices and limited treatment options for companion animals.”
The CVMA urges Health Canada to collaborate with trusted international regulators, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency, to establish shared pathways for efficient and economical drug approvals.
Canada also faces a severe shortage of at least several thousands of veterinarians, a deficit projected to persist until 2031. Despite increased class sizes, graduation rates barely offset attrition. The CVMA is calling for federal support to establish a national testing centre for internationally educated veterinarians to accelerate entry into the workforce.
Burnout and mental health challenges remain a core challenge, continuing to drive veterinarians and technicians out of the profession. The CVMA recommends targeted federal funding to provinces and territories to expand access to evidence-based mental wellness support for veterinary professionals.
“The veterinary community is proud to serve Canadians,” added Fisher. “But our patients and our profession need the full attention, investment, and partnership of the federal government now.”
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The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national voice for Canada’s veterinarians, representing the veterinary professionals of Canada, including over 25,000 veterinarians, technologists and technicians dedicated to animal health and welfare. The CVMA works with governments, academic institutions, and industry partners to ensure Canadians have access to safe, effective veterinary care.
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