Veterinarians and their practices — whether animal hospitals, pet clinics, vet clinics, or mixed practices serving both companion animals and farm animals — are subject to a distinct range of challenges, including legal, regulatory, business, and ethical considerations. BLG veterinary lawyers are aptly positioned to meet them through our longstanding role in the sector, and our deep understanding of pet health and large-animal practice.
We are the only national law firm providing dedicated legal services to the veterinary profession, including pet clinics and practices serving farm animal clients. Our team advises veterinary professionals, including large-animal veterinarians and Prairie livestock veterinarians, on issues that arise under regulatory regimes such as the College of Veterinarians of Ontario, and in matters involving professional misconduct, complaints, and discipline.
How we support veterinary care and practice
Our services to the profession include:
- purchase and sale of a practice
- equipment leasing
- employment law, including employment contracts and wrongful dismissal
- risk-management strategies
- practice governance, including shareholder and partnership agreements
- implementing effective strategies for responding to professional complaints and discipline proceedings
- taxation and wealth and estate planning
- regulatory compliance
- corporate governance
- litigation matters involving veterinary clinics
Relevant organizations and legislation
We help clients understand and navigate the professional and regulatory landscape, including expectations and guidance from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, and the College of Veterinarians of Ontario. We also advise on their compliance requirements under applicable legislation such as the Veterinarians Act and the Veterinary Professionals Act.
