Veterinary Drug Regulations for Compliance in Canada

Veterinary products used to treat, prevent, or cure animal diseases such as medicated shampoos, supplements, and therapeutic feeds are regulated in Canada. These products must meet strict safety, efficacy, and quality standards set by Health Canada before they can be sold.

Dell Tech helps clients determine whether their product is classified as a veterinary drug or a Veterinary Health Product (VHP) and supports submission of the required regulatory documentation. Whether you are applying for a Drug Identification Number (DIN) or a Notification Number (NN), our team simplifies the process to help bring your product to market.

Veterinary Drug Compliance Services

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Product Classification and Formula Assessment

We help determine whether your product qualifies as a veterinary drug or a Veterinary Health Product and identify the correct classification to guide regulatory action.

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Short and Long Substance Applications

Our team supports both simplified and comprehensive substance applications, as needed to submit your VHP application.

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DIN Applications

If your product is classified as a veterinary drug, we assist with DIN application preparation, supporting documentation, and submission to the Veterinary Drugs Directorate (VDD).

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Notification Number Applications for Veterinary Health Products

For Veterinary Health Products, we support Notification Number applications and ensure compliance with ingredient restrictions and labeling requirements.

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Supplemented Food Compliance

Our regulatory team ensures that your label meets Canadian guidelines for veterinary drug claims, ingredient disclosure, and required statements.

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Ongoing Regulatory Support

We provide guidance for reformulations, ingredient substitutions, and responses to regulatory agency feedback to ensure long-term compliance.

Why Veterinary Drug Classification Matters

Proper classification and submission are essential to avoid product seizure, shipping delays, and enforcement action by Health Canada. Misclassifying a product, especially if the claims suggest therapeutic use, can result in penalties or removal from the market. Dell Tech ensures your classification is accurate, fully supported, and ready for audit.

Types of Veterinary Products We Support

Medicated animal shampoos

Oral or injectable drugs

•  Veterinary health supplements

Topical creams and ointments

Homeopathic veterinary products

Vitamins and nutraceuticals

Who Regulates Veterinary Drugs in Canada

Veterinary drugs are regulated by Health Canada through the Veterinary Drugs Directorate. Veterinary Health Products are subject to a notification process administered by a division of the Veterinary Drugs Directorate. The regulatory path depends on how your product is classified, its ingredients, and the claims made.

Frequently Asked Questions About Veterinary Drug Regulations

The classification depends on how the product is used, what ingredients it contains, and the claims being made. Products that are intended to treat, prevent, or cure disease in animals are generally regulated as veterinary drugs and require a DIN.

Yes. If your product is considered a veterinary drug or VHP, it must receive pre-market authorization (i.e. a DIN or NN) before it can be marketed in Canada. Dell Tech supports clients through the entire process.

A Notification Number is used for low-risk Veterinary Health Products. It allows the product to be marketed once it is registered through the VHP notification system. It does not require the same data as a DIN application.

Yes. Our team will ensure that your veterinary product label complies with Canadian regulations regarding claims, ingredient lists, and required cautionary language.

Bypassing licensing can result in regulatory action, including product removal and penalties. Dell Tech works with clients to make sure their regulatory status is properly documented and approved before the product launches.

Meet Your Client Services Contact
Kim Samela
Client Services Manager
Kim leads Dell Tech’s Client Services Division, ensuring every project is seamlessly coordinated from initiation to consultant handoff. With over a decade of experience in client relationship management and operational excellence, Kim ensures that clients receive timely communication, clarity, and a smooth project experience across all of Dell Tech’s service areas.

Stay Informed About Regulatory Changes

Receive updates about veterinary drug regulations, changes to the VHP notification process, and labeling requirements.