On this page:
The program is designed to increase the pool of veterinarians and registered veterinary technologists (RVTs) that are available to provide locum services for B.C. veterinary practices that offer care for food animals, with a priority for servicing practices outside of the Lower Mainland. See the full program guide (PDF, 172KB).
This program is funded in part by the governments of Canada and British Columbia under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
The pilot is planned to run until December 31, 2025. The first application intake window for locum veterinarians and RVTs to apply is open until October 1, 2024 at 4:30PM. At that time, applications will close until a review of the submissions is complete.
After October 1, 2024, as funding permits, additional application windows will be opened to accept new applications. Applicants who do not submit a completed application by the deadlines will be considered to have withdrawn their application and previously approved funding may be given to other applicants.
Establish a locum bank of veterinarians and RVTs that are willing to provide veterinary services for B.C. veterinary practices that offer food animal services, with priority for servicing practices outside of the Lower Mainland.
Maximum annual funding is anticipated to be $10,953 for veterinarian locums and $4,660 for RVTs per program year, April 1 to March 31.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Applicants must have active membership as a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) with the BC Veterinary Technologists Association (BCVTA).
Practices where the locum occurs must meet the following criteria:
See examples of eligible locum arrangements (PDF, 94 KB).
View the application form. Applications will collect information, including:
Funding is provided through a periodic reimbursement to approved applicants through a claim form. Accepted applicants must complete and attach the direct deposit application form (PDF, 407KB) for general and service suppliers, along with a void cheque, to receive reimbursement. Further details will be provided to successful applicants.
After acceptance to the locum bank, applicants can submit a claim to the program for reimbursement of their 2024 annual registrant/membership fees with either the College of Veterinarians of BC (CVBC) or BC Veterinary Technologists Association (BCVTA).
Veterinarians can also apply for reimbursement of Society of BC Veterinarians annual membership (SBCV) in their claim. If the locum remains active in the bank as of January 2025, they can submit a reimbursement claim to the program for 2025 annual registrant or membership fees.
Locum veterinarians working in-person at eligible veterinary practices are eligible for support at a rate of $300 per day, and RVTs are eligible for $150 per day.
Locum veterinarians or RVTs providing telemedicine services for an eligible veterinary practice will be eligible for support at a rate of $50 per day. These amounts are intended to be additional to the remuneration negotiated between the locum and the practice.
Under this program, a locum may claim for up to 30 days per year, with a maximum of 15 days per veterinary practice per program year. Locums will be reimbursed for a maximum of five days of service per year in the Lower Mainland.
The program is distinct from, and takes no responsibility for any aspect of the negotiated conditions and scope of work or remuneration agreement between the locum and the practice.
If you are a veterinarian or RVT interested in applying to the program and have questions about the application process or eligibility criteria, please contact us.