The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) is the professional regulatory organization governing the practice of veterinary medicine in Alberta under the authority of the Veterinary Profession Act. As a self-governing profession, the ABVMA is required to perform its regulatory and professional functions in accordance with the law and in a manner responsible to the public of Alberta through the Government of Alberta Employment and Immigration.

The ABVMA has been in existence since 1906, when the newly created province passed the "Act Respecting Veterinary Surgeons." There were 43 veterinarians on the ABVMA Roster that year. Today, there are over 1250 Registered Veterinarians, and 1100 Registered Animal Health Technologists practicing in over 424 certified veterinary clinics throughout Alberta. The ABVMA is responsible for ensuring that all veterinarians in the province are qualified to practice veterinary medicine.

The Veterinary Profession Act and its regulations specify the educational requirement and credentials for anyone practicing veterinary medicine in Alberta. As well, they ensure all veterinary practitioners perform their duties in a skillful and professional manner by outlining a very detailed and specific discipline process to which members are held accountable. Provisions are also made to ensure ongoing education and training of members and the regular inspection of veterinary facilities to ensure compliance with accepted practice standards.

To Practice Veterinary Medicine in Alberta all persons must:

• be a graduate of a six-year, accredited university program in veterinary medicine

• successfully complete the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE), administrated by the National Examining Board (NEB)

• attend a minimum number of scientific education sessions each year

• renew their registration to practice annually

• practice only through a registered inspected veterinary facility

• be accountable to the public through an enforceable disciplinary procedure.

Practice of Veterinary Medicine

 “Veterinary Medicine” is defined as a medical service performed with respect to an animal.  For clarity the ABVMA accepts the expanded definition used by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards:

 Any person practices veterinary medicine with respect to animals when such person performs any one or more of the following:

 (a) Directly or indirectly consults, diagnoses, prognoses, corrects, supervises, or recommends treatment of an animal, for the prevention, cure or relief of a wound, fracture, bodily injury, disease, physical or mental condition; 

(b) Prescribes, dispenses or administers a drug, medicine, biologic, appliance, application or treatment of whatever nature;  

(c) Performs upon an animal a surgical or dental operation or a Complementary or Alternative Veterinary Medical procedure; 

(d) Performs upon an animal any manual procedure for the diagnoses and /or treatment of pregnancy, sterility, or infertility;  

(e) Determines the health, fitness, or soundness of an animal;  

(f) Represents oneself directly or indirectly, as engaging in the practice of veterinary medicine; or  

(g) Uses any words, letters or titles under such circumstance as to induce the belief that the person using them is qualified to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine, as defined. Such use shall be prima facie evidence of the intention to represent oneself as engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine.  

 

To Practice As A Registered Animal Health Technologist

A limited scope of veterinary practice is allowed to Animal Health Technologists under supervision of a veterinarian, if:

• the technologist is a graduate of a program of at least two years in length and accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)

• has passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)

• is a member of good standing of the Alberta Association of Animal Health Technologists (AAAHT)

Provincial legislation states that a registered AHT may practice all aspects of veterinary medicine other than: 

• making a diagnosis

• determining the course of treatment

• applying surgical techniques

 More specifically the American Association of Veterinary State Boards defines the ‘Practice of Veterinary Technology’ (Animal Health Technology) to mean:  

Any person practices veterinary technology with respect to animals when such person performs any one or more of the following:  

(a) Provides professional medical care, monitors and treats animals, under supervision of a licensed Veterinarian;  

(b) Represents oneself directly or indirectly, as engaging in the practice of veterinary technology; or

(c) Uses any words, letters or titles under such circumstance as to induce the belief that the person using them is qualified to engage in the practice of veterinary technology, as defined. Such use shall be prima facie evidence of the intention to represent oneself as engaged in the practice of veterinary technology. Nothing in this definition shall be construed to permit a Veterinary Technologist to do the following: 

1) Surgery

2) Diagnosis and prognosis of animal diseases

3) Prescribing of drugs, medicine and appliances

 

The animals of Alberta and their human owners deserve qualified and accountable professional care. It is the responsibility of the Alberta Veterinary Medical association to make sure this happens. If you are unaware of the qualifications of an individual offering service to your animals it is your right to ask.

Complaints Resolution Process

The AB.VMA is the governing body for the veterinary profession in Alberta. Our association licenses all veterinarians practicing in the province. We are responsible for ensuring high standards of veterinary medicine and professional conduct for all of our members. We protect your interests by ensuring that all concerns from the public are addressed.

If you have a concern about the care that your animal has received, often the best first step is to discuss the matter with your veterinarian. You are entitled to a simple and understandable explanation of the treatment recommended for your animal as well as an estimate of the associated costs. When dealing with a major animal health issue, obtaining a second opinion may give you a different perspective.

We encourage you to contact your veterinarian. If you are unable to resolve the matter by talking to your veterinarian you can contact the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association and discuss your concerns with our Complaints Officer. Our telephone number in Edmonton is (780) 489-5007. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday to Friday.

Or you can send us a letter by fax (780) 484-8311 or mail to:

Alberta Veterinary Medical Association
950 Weber Centre
5555 Calgary Trail NW
Edmonton AB, T6H 5P9