Ontario Protecting Northern and Rural Livestock Producers

February 25, 2026

The government has taken steps to streamline and modernize the Veterinary Assistance Program (VAP). The changes made to this program will expand eligibility and streamline applications for veterinarians caring for livestock in underserviced areas of northern and rural Ontario, helping to strengthen the agriculture sector across the province and ensure the livestock industry continues to thrive.

Updates to the Veterinary Assistance Program will take effect on April 1, 2026, and include:

• Expanding eligibility so all veterinary practices providing services in eligible areas can apply
• Streamlining the application process by allowing veterinary practices to submit applications directly to the Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth
• Recognizing registered veterinary technicians as eligible participants
• Adding honeybees and fish as eligible livestock
• Increasing the call compensation rate for isolated veterinarians by nine per cent and increasing the per kilometre compensation rate for non-isolated veterinarians by an additional 30 cents, while also making telemedicine an eligible expense
• Updating budget allocations to ensure available funding is fully utilized

News Releases:

En: Livestock Producers

Fr: Éleveurs de bétail