To the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO),

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that the CVO reconsider its decision to refine the definition of dentistry and include the scaling of teeth of pets, making it illegal for anyone other than a veterinarian to perform the service of pet teeth cleaning. This change is concerning for various reasons, particularly for pet owners who value their freedom to choose the best oral care option for their pets.

We believe that pet owners should have the freedom to select the services that work most effectively for their pets and their financial circumstances. Every pet and owner is in a unique situation, and it's crucial to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. By limiting non-veterinary professionals from providing teeth cleaning services, pet owners are being deprived of the opportunity to determine what is most suitable for them and their pets. This is unjust to pet owners and their cherished animal companions.

Furthermore, while we understand that both cosmetic teeth cleaning and under-anesthesia dental cleanings hold a certain level of risk, it should be up to the educated pet owner to make an informed decision about which route they take.

This change in the definition of dentistry will also harm small businesses that operate within the rules and regulations outlined by the current Act and court rulings. Businesses and pet owners that choose the cosmetic teeth cleaning option will be impacted heavily by this, which raises concerns about the "my pet, my choice" principle.

Many companies have been working tirelessly to provide cosmetic teeth cleaning services to pets that cannot undergo anesthesia due to medical reasons or age-related problems, while others simply prefer it as a maintenance tool. However, this option will now be taken away, leaving pet owners with no choice but to subject their pets to anesthesia whether they are suitable candidates for the procedure or not.

Therefore, we urge the CVO to consider all the factors, including pet owners' choices, the businesses, and the services provided. We respectfully request that the CVO:

• Permit non-veterinarian professionals to scale pets' teeth.
• Work with businesses that provide cosmetic teeth cleaning services to create a framework that allows pets to receive the care they need while offering options that reflect the different needs and preferences of pet owners.

The right to choose how to care for our pets is paramount, and institutions, while we all understand and appreciate their fundamental purposes, should not dictate our choices. 

We ask all pet owners, concerned citizens, and animal lovers to support our petition and the cause behind it. 
We urge the College of Veterinarians of Ontario to reconsider its decision and allow non-veterinarian professionals to offer cosmetic teeth cleaning services to pet owners and their pets.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.