FAQ – Retired Registration Renewal

For information about registration renewal requirements and timelines, visit the Registration Renewal section of the College’s website. 

You can access your account either: 

  • Through the CVBC website by clicking the green Portal Login button in the upper right corner. OR 


Your username is the email address on file with the College. If you have forgotten your password, select 
Forgot Password to receive a password reset email. 

If you experience login difficulties, contact reception@cvbc.ca 

When registration renewal is active (mid-October through December 31st), a Renew Registration button will be visible on the main page of your account in your account.  

While logged in to your account, you can also verify & update your personal contact details (home address; phone number; email address) through Account Management → Contact Information.  

Registrants in an Inactive Class (Retired or Non-Practicing) are exempt from completing and reporting CE while they remain inactive, but they may still have CE obligations for the current cycle from any period of time spent with active registration:  

What if I held inactive status for the entire CE cycle? 

If you were Retired or Non-Practicing for the entire CE cycle (January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026): 

  • You are not required to complete CE hours; 
  • You are not required to report CE hours for renewal; and 
  • Your transcript should show 0.00 Credits Required


What if I held active status for part of the CE cycle before transferring to an inactive status? 

If you held an active registration class for any portion of the CE cycle, your required CE hours will be prorated based on how long you held active registration during that cycle. 

Additional information is available on the Continuing Education page of the website.  

Under College bylaws, a Retired registrant may 

  • Use a professional title granted under the Act, provided it includes the designation “retired”. 
  • Participate in professional self-regulation activities, including:  
  • Attending registrant meetings 
  • Voting in elections and on resolutions 
  • Standing for election to Council 
  • Serving on committees 
  • Receiving College communications and bulletins.   


But must not: 

  • practise veterinary medicine. 
  • prescribe or dispense prescription drugs.  


Are Retired registrants able to provide veterinary care to their own animals? 

Retired registrants may provide veterinary care to their own animals under the exemption in the Veterinarians Act allowing that “treatment of an animal by an owner who has regular care and control of the animal” is not considered to be engaging in the practice of veterinary medicine [Act, section 46(3)(b)]. However, Retired registrants do not have any privilege of access to veterinary medications beyond that available to the public.

Yes, though the process to reactivate will depend upon how long your license has been inactive (Non-Practicing and/or Retired class). 

Within 3 years of becoming inactive:Retired registrants may apply to reactivate to their preferred/appropriate class of active registration: 

  • Private Practice 
  • Specialty Private Practice 
  • Public Sector 
  • Temporary registration classes.  


After being in an inactive class for 3 or more years: A Retired registrant wishing to reactivate their registration must meet all current requirements for a new registration application.  

See the Registration Class Changes page of the College’s website for more information. 

What would my CE requirements be if I make an application to reactivate? 

In both reactivation situations, the Retired registrant must provide proof of completion of CE hours equivalent to their inactive period, which will be calculated from the basis that a registrant must complete 30 hours of CE over each 2-year CE Cycle. College staff will review the dates of your registration history and advise you regarding how many CE hours you will need complete to support your application for reactivation. 

If you wish to discontinue your registration with the College, complete the Resignation of Registration form and submit it to the CVBC office before the final deadline to complete your renewal (January 4, 2027): 

  • Fax: 604-929-7095 
  • Mail: 210-10991 Shellbridge Way, Richmond BC, V6X 3C6  


Note: Submissions must be 
received by the College by the deadline; if you plan to mail your documents to the office rather than send them by email or fax, ensure you plan for sufficient time for postal delivery during the holiday season.

What happens if I do nothing? 

If no action is taken before the end of the first business day in January, your registration with the College will be cancelled for failure to renew, effective January 1, 2027.