The CVO licenses veterinarians and regulates the practice of veterinary medicine in Ontario in accordance with the Veterinarians Act, the regulation and the by-laws in order to serve and protect the public interest.

The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association is the professional organization governing the practice of veterinary medicine in the province of Alberta under the authority of the Veterinary Profession Act. Veterinary medicine in Alberta is a self-governing profession and the AVMA performs both the regulatory and self-interest functions for the profession.