As per bylaw 3.6(9), the designated registrant of a practice or facility must  “promptly inform the registrar, who will convey to the Practice Facility Accreditation Committee (PFAC): 

(a) a substantial change in scope of practice(A),  

(b) a significant or material renovation(B),  

(c) a change of mailing address or location(C),  

(d) a change in the designated registrant, 

(e) a closure, 

(f) a loss of a significant amount of a controlled drug or a loss of records, and  

(g) a change in ownership.   

1. If the practice facility is fully accredited, the new services, equipment, and/or space may be offered or used once the CVBC office has been informed of the changes. This is dependent on the DR ensuring that the relevant accreditation standards are met. You can refer to the Self-assessment Form or the Schedule D – Accreditation Standards for reference. 
2. If your practice facility is operating with Provisional Approval to Operate or Limited Accreditation, or if it is a Philanthropic or Consulting Practice, please contact the office at facilities@cvbc.ca with a summary of the planned changes. 
3. Although the Practice Facility Annual Declaration submission does update the College about a change in scope of practice, the DR should still notify the College before significant or substantial changes to the practice occur. 
4. Many practices or facilities are considering unique approaches to expansion of their scope of practice and/or space.  The Policy and Guide to Accreditation of Non-Typical Facilities may provide useful information in addition to the processes described below. 

In summary: 

• Review the planned change to determine whether it requires notification to the College pursuant to Section 3.6(9). 

• Notify the CVBC office promptly at facilities@cvbc.ca with a brief summary of the change. 

• Confirm that the applicable accreditation standards are met before using new services, equipment, or space. 

• Consult the Self-assessment Form and Schedule D – Accreditation Standards as needed. 

• Watch for follow-up from the office regarding any additional requirements or PFAC directions. 

To notify us of changes, or if you have questions about changes to your practice or facility, please contact us at facilities@cvbc.ca. The office will follow up with the next steps. 

A. Scope of Practice Change (increase or decrease) 

As explained in Appendix A of the Policy Committee Directed Practice Facility Inspections: 

“A substantial change in scope of practice is one that leads to additional accreditation standards. This includes, but is not limited to, the addition of veterinary service categories as per Standard 1; the request to order controlled drugs when not previously accredited for such; the addition of a new species group to the services offered; or the addition of major imaging equipment (other than endoscopy and ultrasound). If in doubt, it is recommended that the designated registrant provide notification in accordance with sub-section 3.6(9) of the Bylaws.”  

While awaiting PFAC review and direction on whether an inspection is required, the facility may start offering their increase in SoP, on the condition the DR is satisfied that the relevant accreditation standards are met. The practice facility does not need PFAC approval before offering the new services. 

If there are further directions by the PFAC, the office will contact you. If you do not hear back from the office, then no further action is needed. 

Click here for printable PDF for the increase in scope of practice process. 

B. Renovation & Expansion

As explained in Appendix A of the Policy Committee Directed Practice Facility Inspections: 

“A significant or material renovation includes: significant repair or remediation (e.g., following a flood or fire); structural alterations that change the existing floor plan or expand the space, with or without a change to scope of practice (e.g. additions or subtractions of walls; add-on structure to an existing facility; addition of a fixed facility to previously mobile only facility.) Painting and changes to wall fixtures would generally not be considered significant. If in doubt, it is recommended that the designated registrant provide notification in accordance with sub-section 3.6(9) of the Bylaws.” 

Renovations and expansions can range from the addition of an extra exam room to the addition and renovation of hundreds of square feet of new space with multiple new services added (scope of practice). The office may request various submissions depending on each practice facility’s unique plan. 

The new space can be used on the condition the DR is satisfied that the relevant accreditation standards are met. Performing the applicable sections on the Self-Assessment will help ensure that the standards are met. The practice facility does not require PFAC approval before using the space. 

Click here for printable PDF for the renovation/expansion process. 

C. Relocation

1. Fixed PracticeFacility

For a public-access fixed practice facility relocation, the College requests two months’ notice before the move so the PFAC can review the change. In most full relocations, the PFAC will direct a post-move inspection and the related fee will apply. 

Services may begin at the new location before the inspection, provided the designated registrant (DR) is satisfied that all applicable accreditation standards are met before any services are offered. 

Key patient and public safety considerations 

• Keep only one accredited space active at a time so the public clearly knows where to seek care. During the move, ensure controlled drugs, prescription products, and related records remain secure and that the new facility has appropriate secure storage in place. 

• Complete active construction at the new location before relocating. Tradespeople should not have unsupervised access to areas where controlled or prescription drugs are stored. 

• Ensure oxygen is available at the new location before any services are provided.  A backup oxygen source should be in place before general anesthesia is performed. 

• Clearly communicate any temporary service limitations during the move. For example, if the x-ray machine is being relocated and serviced, clients should be informed they may temporarily need to go elsewhere for those services. 

Completing the self-assessment for the new location will help confirm that the accreditation standards are met after the move. 

The Guide: Interruptions in Service at a Practice or Facility may also be helpful. 

If you have questions, our Senior Inspector can review your relocation plans as they near completion. Please contact the office at facilities@cvbc.ca. 

Click here for a printable PDF of the fixed practice facility relocation process.

2. Non-public office for a mobile practice or facility 

Practices and mobile practice facilities are expected to maintain a non-public office for records, supplies, and equipment. This is often located in the DR’s home, but it may be elsewhere. 

If the non-public office is relocated, you must notify the College. 

When relocating a non-public home office, the safety and security of controlled drugs is especially important. Because options for secure storage may not be ready immediately at the new location, plan how the drugs will be secured as soon as they arrive. 

Click here for a printable PDF of the non-public office relocation process. 

The DR may begin using the new location once they are satisfied that the relevant accreditation standards are met. Office approval is not required before the new location is used. 

If the College requires any additional materials or follow-up after notification, the office will contact you.