Veterinary drugs
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About veterinary drugs
Health Canada's Veterinary Drugs Directorate is responsible for protecting human and animal health, and the safety of Canada's food supply by:
- evaluating and monitoring the safety, efficacy and quality of veterinary drugs
- setting standards and promoting the prudent use of veterinary drugs administered to food-producing and companion animals
Learn more about how we regulate veterinary drugs and how we regulate veterinary health products (VHPs).
You can find information about the products authorized for veterinary use in Canada by searching these databases:
All veterinary drugs have benefits and risks. We carefully assess veterinary drugs before they're authorized for sale in Canada. However, some adverse reactions (also known as adverse events) may become evident only after a product is in use. Anyone can report suspected adverse reactions to veterinary drugs. Reporting is mandatory for manufacturers as per the Food and Drug Regulations.
Additional pathways and tools
There are pathways available for accessing products for animals in Canada for emergency and research purposes:
- Emergency drug release (EDR) program
Veterinarians may request authorization to access unauthorized drugs in Canada for emergency veterinary use through the EDR program. - Experimental studies certificate (ESC)
Researchers may apply for an ESC to conduct studies with a veterinary drug in animals.
There are other tools available for facilitating the review of veterinary drugs in Canada:
- List of needed veterinary drugs
- Interim approach - Priority review of veterinary drug submissions
- Policy on terms and conditions for veterinary drugs
Who we work with
We work with stakeholder groups at a national and international levels. Each group plays a role in maintaining Canada's high standards for safe food, and safe, effective and quality veterinary drugs. Canadian stakeholders include:
- veterinarians
- livestock producers
- feed manufacturers
- drug manufacturers
- other federal, provincial and territorial government partners
- Canadian Animal Feed and Health Products Engagement Committee (CAFHPEC)
We collaborate internationally with foreign regulatory partners and actively engaged in a number of important initiatives, such as joint and simultaneous reviews.
Learn more about international collaborations on veterinary drugs.
Contact us
E-mail: vdd.vetdrugs-medsvet.dmv@hc-sc.gc.ca
Telephone: 613-321-4239
Related links
- List of banned drugs
- Regulating veterinary drugs
- Veterinary drug consultations
- What's new: Veterinary drugs
- Related sites – Veterinary drugs
- Publications – Drugs and health products
- Antibiotic resistance in animals
- Guidance Documents – Legislation and guidelines – Veterinary drugs
- Forms – Applications and submissions – Veterinary drugs