French version

To all pet owners in Quebec:

Are you aware that it is illegal to have your animal (dog, cat, horse, or other) treated by a non-veterinary therapist? Whether it is an osteopath, a massage therapist, a chiropractor or a laser therapist to name a few. The Ordre des médecins vétérinaires du Québec (OMVQ) has a monopoly on all care by law.

Article 7 of the law on the practice of veterinary medicine

Our petition aims to allow non-veterinary therapists to practice holistic care on our animals and thus offer consumers a free choice in the treatment of their animals. We are asking that the OMVQ amend the veterinary practice act to encourage collaboration between veterinarians and non-veterinary therapists to ensure the best treatment options for our animals.

Currently, the OMVQ considers all non-veterinary therapists to be illegally practicing medicine, even if they do not prescribe any medications or make diagnoses. Did you know that:

• The OMVQ sends letters threatening therapists with legal action and heavy fines of up to 62,500$
• The OMVQ requires that therapists immediately cease their professional activities and withdraw all advertising.

Every time your therapist practices to help your pet, he or she is at risk of being sued. Some have already been sued. This threatening attitude takes competent therapists off the market. The result is prejudice for the owners and their animals since the law limits our access to therapies potentially beneficial for our animals.

It is our opinion that all pet owners in Quebec should have the right, as in human health, to use the providers of their choice for low-risk alternative therapies.

The current reality is that many therapists provide non-conventional therapies as treatment or care for animals, with or without the intervention of a veterinarian. The College of Veterinarians of Ontario took a clear position on this in July 2021:

Exclusive scopes of practice, where all treatment and/or care of an animal(s) is provided solely by a veterinarian, are no longer feasible nor reasonable. The boundaries between conventional medicine and non-conventional therapies are no longer absolute. An updated regulatory approach that is risk-focused is required.

Position statement, July 2021, College of Veterinarians of Ontario

How can the OMVQ justify to the public that limiting our access to quality care improves the lives of our animals, especially in the context of a veterinary shortage? Many burned-out veterinarians would welcome changes to the profession.

Le Soleil, August 2, 2021, Vétérinaires, pénurie et épuisement​

Le Droit, May 8, 2022, Exode des professionnels en santé animale​

Le Devoir, January 15, 2022, Pénurie de vétérinaires​

CBC News, Sept 7, 2022, Death of a veterinarian highlights critical need

Please sign this petition to send a clear message to the Ordre des médecins vétérinaires du Quebec that it has become unacceptable for them to maintain a monopoly on animal care. The law on the practice of veterinary medicine must be updated to allow consumers free choice in the treatment of their animals.