Bridging Borders: Celebrating RVT Progress in Canada and the United States

As a Canadian-based company proudly serving both sides of the border, we have witnessed the incredible evolution and strengthening of the Registered Veterinary Technologist profession throughout Canada and the United States over the past decade. From British Columbia to the Maritimes, and across key US states, the profession has never been more recognized or impactful.

 

Canadian Leadership and Achievements

National Impact of RVTTC
The Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) has been instrumental in advancing the profession nationwide:

• VMAE Best in Business Award: RVTTC earned this prestigious Veterinary Medical Association Executives award for outstanding advocacy.

• Annual Canadian RVT of the Year: Angela Nisbett of Saskatchewan was named the 2025 recipient, exemplifying excellence.

• National Unity: Since 1989, RVTTC has united and strengthened the profession across provinces.

Guidelines, Standards & Scope Expansion

• Adoption of the 2023 AAHA Technician Utilization Guidelines for maximizing RVT contributions.

• Specialized practice standards developed by bovine and equine associations.

• Ongoing advocacy by NAVTA for consistent title protection and professional recognition.

• Multiple provinces have expanded RVT scope to include advanced diagnostics, medication administration, and greater autonomy in care protocols.

Ontario’s Historic Legislative Victory (2024)

• The Veterinary Professionals Act formalizes RVTs’ role in veterinary care teams.

• Establishment of the College of Veterinary Professionals shifts regulatory oversight from OAVT.

• Clear legal distinction between credentialed RVTs and non-credentialed staff.

• Enhanced title protection with “Veterinary Technologist” added to protected titles.

Provincial Highlights (2020-2025)

Province	Recent Achievements
Ontario	Veterinary Professionals Act, new regulatory body, improved access to care
Alberta	Strong self-regulation via AVMA and ABVTA
Saskatchewan	Leadership recognition & strong provincial association advocacy
British Columbia	Advocacy for regulation continues; currently self-regulated by BCVTA
Manitoba	Ongoing regulatory framework development via MVTA

National Context

• Eight provinces have secured legal recognition for RVTs, with others actively progressing.

• National initiatives have standardized RVT titles coast to coast.

• Flexible credentialing options exist while maintaining core standards.

• CVMA accreditation partnerships strengthen educational pathways.

 

United States: Building Momentum

While Canada leads with broad national standardization, the US veterinary technician field is achieving important milestones state by state:

• Illinois (2024): House Bill 3360 enacted, providing stronger occupational title protection.

• Minnesota (2025): Legislation now protects veterinary technician, technologist, vet tech, and LVT titles.

• California: Updates to the Veterinary Practice Act include title protection for Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS).

• Arkansas (2023): Law permits VTS holders expanded scope of practice under collaborating veterinarians.

• Colorado: Expanded scope of practice for RVTs and technician specialists recently approved.

Why do these matter? Together, these developments across Canada and the United States demonstrate the shared dedication to elevating the veterinary technician/technologist profession—ensuring higher standards of care, greater professional recognition, and enhanced career opportunities on both sides of the border.

 

📊 Economic Recognition:

Canadian Market Strength

• Moderate shortage risk (2024-2033): High demand equals job security and growth opportunities

• Salary improvements: National median wage of $25.62/hour, with Alberta leading at higher rates

• Cross-border mobility: Enhanced opportunities for Canadian RVTs in US markets

North American Growth

• 19% projected job growth (US, 2023-2033) - much faster than average

• 15,400+ annual openings projected in US market alone

• Specialization premium: Emergency and specialty practices offering significantly higher compensation

 

🌟 Professional Recognition: We're at the Decision-Making Table

Industry Leadership

• 2023 AAHA Technician Utilization Guidelines: Comprehensive framework recognizing RVT capabilities

• Specialized practice standards: Bovine and equine associations creating RVT-specific guidelines

• NAVTA advocacy: Continued push for title protection across the United States

Educational Excellence

• RVTTC Awards & Bursaries: Supporting the next generation of Canadian RVTs

• Sandy Hass Appreciation Award: Recognizing long-term contributions to the profession

• Enhanced CE opportunities: Expanded continuing education pathways

 

🚀 What This Means for Felix & Fido and Our Industry

As a Canadian company operating across North America, we are very excited for the benefit from this professional revolution:

For Our Team

• Enhanced credibility: Legislative recognition validates our RVT-only hiring model

• Cross-border opportunities: Easier mobility for our expanding operations

• Professional development: More pathways for career advancement and specialization

For Our Clients

• Guaranteed expertise: Legal protection of RVT titles ensures consistent, high-quality care

• Advanced capabilities: Expanded scope of practice means more services available at home

• Peace of mind: Working with legally recognized healthcare professionals

 

Looking Forward: The Future is Bright

The combination of Canada's legislative leadership and the US market's rapid growth creates unprecedented opportunities for RVTs across North America. We're recognized healthcare professionals with protected titles, expanding capabilities, and growing economic value.

What's Next?

• Continued legislative advocacy in remaining jurisdictions

• Enhanced cross-border recognition and mobility

• Expanded specialization pathways

• Greater public awareness of our professional capabilities

 

At Felix & Fido, we've always believed that experienced, credentialed RVTs are the gold standard for at-home veterinary care. Seeing our profession gain the recognition it deserves – both in Canada where we're based and extending into the US – validates everything we've built our company on.

To every RVT reading this: you are part of a professional revolution. The legislative wins, the national recognition, and the growing opportunities across North America are the result of decades of dedicated professionals proving our worth every single day.

From our headquarters in Vancouver to our expanding US operations, we're proud to be part of this incredible journey of professional growth and recognition.

 

Further Reading

If you'd like to read more, please check out:  https://rvttcanada.ca/, https://rvttcanada.ca/news/, https://rvttcanada.ca/2025-canadian-rvt-of-the-year-announced-in-victoria-bc/, https://rvttcanada.ca/rvttc-awards/, https://rvttcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021-2022-AR-RVTTC-9-2.pdf, https://www.cvo.org/about/strategic-plan/modernized-legislation, https://oavt.org/about/legislative-reform/, https://oavt.org/press-releases/celebrating-progress-for-rvts-veterinary-professionals-act-announced/, https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/policy-and-outreach/priority-areas/veterinary-workforce-shortage/increasing-supply/, https://occupations.esdc.gc.ca/sppc-cops/.4cc.5p.1t.3onsummaryd.2tail@-eng.jsp?tid=157, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11339900/, https://www.bcvta.com/understanding-regulations/, https://rvttcanada.ca/rvttc-welcomes-submissions-for-2020-2021-rvttc-ttvac-awards/, https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocTypeID=HB&DocNum=3360&GAID=18&SessionID=114&LegID=161891, https://navta.net/news/isvma-celebrates-veterinary-profession-title-protection-law/, https://www.isvma.org/cvt-title-protection-update-2025/, and https://www.dvm360.com/view/illinois-state-vma-celebrates-profession-title-protection-law.