Dr. Louise Kelly of Chatham, Ont., has been elected president of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO) for 2026.

The CVO is the provincial regulatory and licensing body for Ontario’s approximately 5,800 veterinarians and is preparing to transition into the College of Veterinary Professionals of Ontario (CVPO).

Kelly will lead the organization’s Legacy Council, which oversees ongoing regulatory work, while working with the Transition Council tasked with establishing the new body.

A graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College in 2001, Kelly currently works as a locum veterinarian providing companion animal care across Ontario and has previously practised mixed animal medicine focused on dairy cattle. She was elected to College Council in 2022 and has served on the complaints, registration, and executive committees.

Joining Kelly on the executive committee are Dr. Lena Levison as first vice-president, Dr. Kathleen Day Dunbar as second vice-president, Dr. Jessica Retterath as past president, and Cathy Hecimovich as member at large.

The CVO regulates the practice of veterinary medicine in the province with a mandate to manage risks and reduce potential harm to animals and people.

The Legacy Council includes 13 elected veterinarians and five public members appointed by the provincial government and, along with three registered veterinary technicians, also serves on the Transition Council.