Do I Need a Doctor's Note?
Here's the good news: for the first 3 days of illness per calendar year, your employer cannot require a doctor's note.
Days of unpaid sick leave per year — no note required
Under Ontario's Employment Standards Act (ESA), employees are entitled to 3 days of unpaid sick leave annually with no obligation to provide medical documentation. This protects the healthcare system, lets you rest, and prevents spreading illness.
Once you've used those 3 protected days, employers may ask for documentation for further absences. But there are strict rules on what they can actually request.
Some workplaces have policies that are more generous than the ESA minimums. Check your employee handbook to see what applies to you.
- Length of your absence
- Date you were seen
- Whether the exam was in-person
- Your specific diagnosis
- Detailed medical information
- Invasive health details
Bottom line: If you're within your first 3 sick days of the year and your employer is demanding documentation, that's not aligned with Ontario employment law. Contact the Ontario Ministry of Labour if you're unsure about your rights.
Where Can I Get a Doctor's Note?
You have several options — each with tradeoffs depending on how you're feeling and how quickly you need documentation.
Family Doctor or Primary Care Provider
Your regular doctor is often the best choice if they know your history — but same-day appointments can be hard to get.
Walk-In Clinics
Many walk-in clinics can provide sick notes for short-term illnesses with no appointment required.
Virtual Care Platforms
FeatherTelemedicine services let you get assessed and receive a sick note from home — no commute required when you're unwell.
Urgent Care or Emergency Room
Technically possible, but emergency departments should be reserved for actual emergencies — not sick note requests.
Are Virtual Doctor's Notes Accepted in Ontario?
Yes. Virtual sick notes are widely accepted across Ontario.
Since the pandemic accelerated telemedicine adoption, virtual healthcare has become mainstream. Virtual assessments by licensed Ontario physicians carry the same legal weight as in-person visits — the note itself doesn't need to specify which.
Same legal standing
Licensed physicians follow the same CPSO guidelines whether they assess you in-person or virtually.
Widely accepted by employers
Most Ontario employers routinely accept virtual sick notes for straightforward short-term illnesses.
Exceptions exist
For longer absences, disability claims, or return-to-work clearances, some insurers may require a more comprehensive in-person assessment.
Does Feather Do Sick Notes?
Yes. Feather offers online sick notes for common short-term illnesses in Ontario — reviewed by licensed physicians and delivered digitally. No waiting room, no commute.
- Cold, flu, respiratory infections
- Stomach bugs and digestive issues
- Migraines and headaches
- Muscle, joint, or back pain
- Mental health days
- Menstrual or pelvic pain
- Emergency symptoms
- Complex chronic conditions
- Long-term disability documentation
- Situations needing in-person exam
- Return-to-work clearances
How it works
Complete the questionnaire
Answer questions about your symptoms and how they're affecting your daily life — from anywhere.
Safety screening
We check you don't have emergency symptoms that need urgent in-person care.
Doctor review
A licensed Ontario physician reviews your information.
Receive your note
Download your official sick note to provide to your employer.
Tips for a Smooth Sick Leave Experience
Notify promptly
Let your employer know as soon as possible. Most workplaces have specific procedures for calling in sick.
Know your workplace policy
Your employer's policy may be more generous than the ESA minimums — check your employee handbook.
Keep documentation
Save a copy of your sick note and any related communication for your records.
Focus on recovery
Sick leave exists so you can rest and get better. Don't feel guilty about taking the time you need.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your rights around sick leave helps you navigate illness without added stress. Whether you need a quick virtual sick note from Feather or a visit with your family doctor, Ontario offers multiple pathways to get the documentation you need while prioritizing your health and recovery.
This article provides general information about sick notes in Ontario and is not legal or medical advice. For specific employment rights questions, contact the Ontario Ministry of Labour. For medical emergencies, call 911.