Veterinary Incentive Program (VIP)

Who is eligible?

• Newly Licensed Veterinarians licensed to practice in Ontario within five years of application
• Veterinarians practicing in Food Animal or mixed animal clinics
• Veterinarians providing services in Underserviced Areas of Ontario

Eligible geographic areas

• All areas in the province of Ontario north of, and including, the County of Renfrew
• The County of Haliburton
• The Township of Addington Highlands
• The Township of Carlow/Mayo
• The Township of Limerick
• The Township of Wollaston
• The Township of Georgian Bluffs
• The Town of South Bruce Peninsula
• The District Municipality of Muskoka
• Additional areas in Ontario with some veterinary coverage but underserved for some Food Animal species such as beef cattle and sheep

• The grants are payable over a five-year period according to a payment schedule, with increasing amounts provided each year.
• A funding agreement must be entered into between the successful applicant and the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) to receive payments.
• Annual attestations confirming ongoing eligibility must be submitted by grant recipients.
• The Veterinary Incentive Program has a total funding pool of $5 million to be distributed over the nine-year period.
• The application process operates on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability of funds.
• The program may terminate without prior notice, and notifications will be posted on the website.
• Overpayments must be repaid to the Ontario government according to directions provided by the AAC.
• Payments are treated as income for tax purposes under the Income Tax Act (Canada).
• Applicants are expected to keep all financial records related to the grant for seven years.
• The AAC or Ontario may conduct audits, requiring access to pertinent records and documentation.