Any registrant of the CVBC in good standing can seek accreditation of a philanthropic practice. It is defined in Part 3 of the Bylaws: 

(10) “philanthropic practice” means the humanitarian provision of veterinary services:  

(a) by registrants in a benevolent manner,  

(b) in keeping with animal welfare concerns,   

(c) in communities that would otherwise not have veterinary services, and  

(d) at no or substantially reduced cost to the public; 

The fact that the provision of veterinary services might be for no or minimal charge does not attenuate the CVBC’s regulatory role.  However, the CVBC’s regulatory role should not be seen as a barrier, and many successful philanthropic practice accreditations have been approved by the Practice Facility Accreditation Committee.  These applications are processed at no cost to the registrant and have limits set on the scope and duration. 

As the CVBC does not regulate business models or fees, an accredited practice facility may offer no or low-cost services for any they are currently accredited for (eg. Mobile microchip clinic at the local shelter). Notification of an increase scope of practice should be sent to the CVBC if an accredited facility plans to offer services not currently part of their accreditation (for example, offering a no cost mobile vaccine clinic when previously no mobile services were offered). Please see the Changes to a Practice or Practice Facility section. 

The Accreditation Standards do not set out any different standards or criteria for delivery of services provided for free or at a reduced cost. The PFAC may use its discretion when determining the standards that must be met in any environment, considering all the unique aspects and features of the specific project; ultimately, the requirements may be different from what is required from a fully accredited facility. 

Bylaw 3.15 outlines the process for accreditation of a philanthropic practice. 

Please note: For both philanthropic practice and practice facilities, major surgery of small animals as a mobile service outside of a fixed facility is considered by the PFAC to be a high-risk service. Please review the Guide to the Policy on Non-typical facilities Scenario #3, Mobile Clinic. 

The Philanthropic Practice may be a single registrant, or a registrant acting on behalf of a group of registrants or a non-profit or an animal assistance organization.  The practice will apply for accreditation, and then if satisfying the PFAC requirements, will be granted philanthropic accreditation with terms and conditions.  

The PFAC retains the authority to require a Practice Inspection be performed of the Philanthropic practice. 

Click here for a printable PDF for the philanthropic practice and accreditation application instructions. 

Please contact the CVBC at facilities@cvbc.ca to discuss the requirements for your philanthropic practice.