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Becoming a Veterinarian in Canada – A 2025 Look

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Veterinarians are invaluable in protecting animal health and welfare, safeguarding public health, ensuring food safety, and promoting environmental well-being. As highly trained medical professionals, they prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases and injuries in animals ranging from household pets to livestock and wildlife.

This guide provides aspiring veterinarians with a detailed overview of succeeding in a veterinary medicine career in Canada. It covers the educational pathways, licensing procedures, potential career tracks, work environments, typical salaries, immigration options, and more. By understanding what it takes to become a licensed veterinarian in Canada, you will be well-prepared to embark on this rewarding professional journey.

What are Educational Requirements to Become a Veterinarian in Canada?

What are Educational Requirements to Become a Veterinarian in Canada? ebs
What are Educational Requirements to Become a Veterinarian in Canada?

Becoming a licensed veterinarian in Canada involves intensive post-secondary education and clinical training. At a minimum, it takes six to seven years of dedicated study after high school. Here is an overview of the step-by-step process.

Step 1: Complete Prerequisite Undergraduate Courses

While a four-year bachelor’s degree is not an absolute requirement, completing an undergraduate program strengthens your application to veterinary school. At a minimum, you will need:

  • At least two years of full-time university study
  • Specific prerequisite courses in biology, biochemistry, genetics, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and English
  • For Quebec programs, completion of a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC) in science or equivalent coursework

Maintaining a strong grade point average (GPA), especially in science courses, boosts your chances of admission. Gaining hands-on experience working or volunteering with animals is also extremely valuable preparation.

Step 2: Research and Apply to Accredited Veterinary Schools

There are only five veterinary colleges across Canada accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) to award a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree:

  • University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
  • Western College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Ontario Veterinary College
  • Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire
  • Atlantic Veterinary College

Each college accepts 70-100 students annually, making admission highly competitive. As a Canadian student, you generally must apply to the school in your region of residence.

Typical admission requirements include:

  • Prerequisite courses and GPA
  • Official transcripts
  • Letters of reference
  • Admission tests like the GRE
  • Essays or interview
  • Documentation of veterinary/animal experience

Thoroughly research each school’s requirements and application procedures before applying.

Step 3: Complete the DVM Program (4-5 years)

Veterinary school takes four years in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Maritimes and five years in Ontario and Quebec. The curriculum includes:

  • Basic veterinary sciences – anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology
  • Animal husbandry and handling
  • Diagnostic methods and medical procedures
  • Surgical techniques and dentistry
  • Laboratory testing and public health measures
  • Animal welfare and ethics

The final year consists of clinical rotations, which allow students to put their skills into practice in a hands-on, supervised environment. Rotations include small animal medicine, oncology, emergency care, large animal medicine, avian medicine, and more.

After completing all requirements, students earn their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree – the benchmark professional credential allowing licensure as a veterinarian in Canada.

Source: https://www.sgu.edu/blog/veterinary/how-to-become-a-vet-in-canada/

What are the Licensing Requirements for New Veterinary Graduates?

After earning the DVM, new veterinarians must complete the following steps to obtain the licenses required for professional practice in Canada:

Complete the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE)

The NAVLE, administered by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA), evaluates essential skills and knowledge. This one-day exam includes 360 multiple-choice questions and is available at testing centers in Canada and internationally.

Obtain the Certificate of Qualification (CQ)

Graduates who pass the NAVLE can apply to the National Examining Board (NEB) for the Certificate of Qualification (CQ). This certification confirms eligibility to apply for provincial or territorial veterinary licensing in Canada.

Apply for provincial/territorial licensing.

Each province or territory has its veterinary regulatory authority responsible for issuing licenses to practice. Typical requirements include fees, completed applications, reference letters, and passing jurisprudence exams on local legislation.

For instance, in Ontario, veterinarians must pass the Veterinarian Jurisprudence Exam and register with the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO) to obtain their license. Some regions may also require membership in the provincial veterinary medical association.

Once licensed, veterinarians can practice in the designated jurisdiction. However, practicing in another province or territory requires approval from the respective regulatory body.

These steps ensure new graduates meet rigorous standards, preparing them for successful careers in veterinary medicine in Canada.

What are the Potential Veterinary Career Tracks in Canada?

One of the rewards of becoming a licensed veterinarian in Canada is the diversity of career paths available. While private clinical practice is the most common route, especially right out of school, many other opportunities exist to advance animal, human, and environmental health.

Private Clinical Practice

Opening your veterinary clinic or joining an established practice allows you to provide hands-on medical care for animals in your community. Options include:

  • Small animal practice – focuses on dogs, cats, and other companion pets.
  • Mixed animal practice – work with pets, livestock, equine patients, and exotics.
  • Extensive animal practice – treat production animals and horses; more physically demanding.
  • Specialty practice focuses on areas like surgery, dentistry, or dermatology.
What are the Potential Veterinary Career Tracks in Canada? ebs
What are the Potential Veterinary Career Tracks in Canada?

Government Veterinary Roles

Government veterinarians uphold public policy initiatives and regulations related to:

  • Animal and human health and safety
  • Livestock management
  • Import/export protocols
  • Food safety and meat inspection
  • Disease control and epidemiology
  • Wildlife and conservation

Typical federal and provincial public health agencies, inspection agencies, research institutes, and regulatory bodies are common employers.

Veterinary Research

Academic institutions employ veterinary researchers, often with specialized graduate training. Typical activities include:

  • Conducting clinical trials for drugs and treatments
  • Investigating transmission of zoonotic diseases
  • Developing diagnostic tests
  • Monitoring effects of toxins and environmental hazards
  • Advancing understanding of animal physiology and disorders

Industry Veterinary Roles

Canadian veterinarians work for pharmaceutical and food companies, insurance providers, and animal health corporations to:

  • Test and improve products and services
  • Provide veterinary services and education to employees
  • Conduct field studies and evaluate drugs and treatments
  • Consult on issues like biosecurity, welfare, and regulations
  • Educate colleagues and develop continuing education programs

Shelter Veterinary Medicine

Canadian veterinarians in animal shelters and rescue organizations provide services like:

  • Spay/neuter, vaccination, and preventative care
  • Diagnosis and treatment of ill or injured animals
  • Humane euthanasia when needed
  • Public education and outreach on animal health topics

These roles prevent overpopulation and enhance adoption outcomes. Experience in high-volume spay/neuter is particularly valued.

What are the Typical Work Duties and Responsibilities of Veterinarians in Canada?

While day-to-day tasks vary by practice setting, here are some of the core responsibilities of licensed veterinarians in Canada:

  • Perform physical examinations on animals to assess overall health.
  • Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests, like blood work and X-rays.
  • Diagnose diseases, injuries, and other medical conditions.
  • Prescribe and administer medications, antibiotics, anesthesia, and other pharmaceutical therapies.
  • Set bones, stitch wounds, and perform surgery when needed.
  • Provide preventative care through wellness exams, vaccinations, and flea/tick treatment.
  • Advise clients on proper diets, behaviour, housing, hygiene, and general care for their animals.
  • Euthanize animals humanely when necessary.
  • Maintain detailed patient records, including medical history.
  • Refer patients to specialized veterinary care when appropriate.
  • Stay up-to-date on advancements and best practices in veterinary medicine.

What are the Typical Work Settings and Schedules of Veterinarians in Canada?

Many associate veterinary positions involve full-time hours of 35-40 per week, but schedules can vary significantly.

Small Animal Practices and Veterinary HospitalsIt may require evening, weekend, or on-call hours to accommodate pet owner schedules.It can involve high-volume, fast-paced workloads.Often access to specialized equipment and staff like technicians.
Large Animal or Rural PracticesIt may require extensive travel to visit remote farms and homesteads.Physical work and animal handling are routine.More schedule flexibility than small animal practices.
Government PositionsOften standard weekday hours.Significant time spent in the field versus a clinic.It could involve responding to emergencies like disease outbreaks.
Research FacilitiesAcademic institutions may follow set schedules, though overtime is common.Work is primarily laboratory-based rather than with live animals.
Industry SettingsMore likely to involve regular 8-4 business hours.Potential for international travel for field studies or veterinary services.

What are the Work Environment and Physical Demands of Veterinarians in Canada?

What are the Work Environment and Physical Demands of Veterinarians in Canada? ebs
What are the Work Environment and Physical Demands of Veterinarians in Canada?

Canadian veterinarians encounter diverse workplace hazards and challenges:

  • Exposure to anesthetic gases, radiation from X-rays, and potentially toxic chemicals.
  • Risk of bites, kicks, and scratches from frightened, hurt, or aggressive animals.
  • Potential transmission of zoonotic diseases like rabies or ringworm.
  • Lifting, restraining, and maneuvering animals weighing up to 100 lbs or more.
  • Bending, squatting, kneeling, and standing for extended periods during exams and procedures.
  • Performing surgeries while maintaining precision and sterile techniques.
  • Developing expertise across species, from companion pets to livestock to exotics.

Appropriate personal protective equipment, cleanliness protocols, and safety training are essential to mitigate risks on the job.

What are the Income and Salary Ranges for Veterinarians in Canada?

Veterinarians in Canada earn an average annual salary of approximately CAD 139,100, which equates to about CAD 11,591 per month or CAD 56.41 per hour, according to recent salary surveys and labor market data.

Canadian veterinarian salaries vary significantly based on factors such as experience, specialization, location, and employer type. Entry-level veterinarians, typically recent graduates, start at around CAD 69,400 annually. Meanwhile, seasoned professionals with extensive experience can earn over CAD 211,200 per year.

Regionally, Ontario and Alberta tend to offer the highest wages, while the Maritimes have lower averages. Urban practices generally pay more than rural ones, and specialty clinics top the pay scale. Large animal vets earn equal or higher incomes than those in small animal medicine. Government and academic positions offer stability with competitive salaries and benefits. Overall, Canadian veterinarians are well-compensated, especially as experience grows.

Learn more about Veterinarian Salaries here at: Average Veterinarian Salaries in Canada

What are the Job Outlook and Growth Projections for Canadian Veterinarians?

The job outlook for veterinarians in Canada is auspicious. The Canadian Occupational Projection System predicts a national shortage of veterinarians between 2022 and 2031. An estimated 5,000 job openings will arise due to economic expansion and retirement, but only 4,300 new veterinary graduates will be available to fill them, creating excellent employment prospects.

Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan are the provinces with the rosiest veterinary job forecasts. However, localized shortages create opportunities nationwide, especially in rural areas.

This high demand is driven by factors like:

  • Ongoing need for pet healthcare and livestock services.
  • Increasing pet ownership rates.
  • Retirements of older veterinarians.
  • Growing public health and food safety concerns.

For those who qualify, veterinary medicine offers job stability and excellent opportunities to build a thriving, lifelong career.

Source: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/4127/ca

How to Immigrate to Canada as a Veterinarian?

Canada actively recruits veterinarians from abroad through targeted immigration policies to address domestic labour shortages.

Express Entry Programs for Veterinarians 

Express Entry manages applications for three economic immigration programs – Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class.

Veterinarians are considered highly desirable applicants due to being in an in-demand occupation. Express Entry incentives include:

  • Points are awarded under the Comprehensive Ranking System for education, work experience, and other factors.
  • Additional points are available for applicants with a qualifying job offer from a Canadian employer.
  • Most Express Entry applicants receive a decision within 6 months.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for Veterinarians

Provincial Nominee Programs allow provinces and territories to nominate immigration candidates who meet local economic needs. Options for veterinarians include:

  • Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Offers accelerated permanent residence through the Foreign Worker and International Student streams.
  • Prince Edward Island PNP – Has pathways for skilled workers and graduates to help fill the province’s shortage of veterinarians.

PNP applicants with a provincial nomination earn additional points under Express Entry.

Work Permits for Veterinarians

Work permits, such as the Working Holiday Visa or employer-specific permits, offer temporary stays to gain Canadian veterinary experience on the pathway to permanent residence.

Veterinary Licensing Considerations for Veterinarians

Internationally educated veterinarians must pass the NAVLE and obtain a Certificate of Qualification before practicing in Canada. Specific licensing requirements by provincial veterinary regulators must also be met based on where you hope to work.

Learn more about other professions in Canada here:
Software Developer Jobs in Canada
Engineering Jobs in Canada
Registered Nurse Jobs in Canada
Becoming a Lawyer in Canada 

The Bottom Line

Canada currently faces a shortage of practicing veterinarians, creating excellent employment opportunities. ebs
Canada currently faces a shortage of practicing veterinarians, creating excellent employment opportunities.

Veterinary medicine offers a challenging yet rewarding career path for those dedicated to advancing animal and human health. While admission into veterinary college is highly competitive, graduates enjoy diverse job prospects, competitive salaries, and meaningful opportunities to impact their communities.

Canada currently faces a shortage of practicing veterinarians, creating excellent employment opportunities. Canadian veterinarians are in demand nationwide, from bustling urban clinics to remote rural communities. Those who qualify academically and professionally will discover a vibrant future helping the animals who bring so much joy to our lives.

FAQs about Becoming a Veterinarian in Canada

Here are 5 FAQs related to becoming a veterinarian in Canada:

How long does it take to become a veterinarian in Canada?

It typically takes a minimum of 6-7 years to become a veterinarian in Canada. This includes:
> 2 years of undergraduate pre-veterinary studies
> 4-5 years to complete the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program
> Additional time to pass the NAVLE licensing exam and meet provincial requirements

What degree do you need to be a veterinarian in Canada?

You need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree to be licensed as a veterinarian in Canada. This professional degree is earned by graduating from one of Canada's five accredited veterinary colleges after completing a 4-5 year program.

Where are the veterinary colleges in Canada?

There are 5 veterinary colleges in Canada accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA):
> University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
> Western College of Veterinary Medicine
> Ontario Veterinary College
> Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire
> Atlantic Veterinary College

Why is there a shortage of veterinarians in Canada?

Factors contributing to the shortage of veterinarians in Canada include:
> Limited number of veterinary college seats (only around 450 graduate each year in Canada)
> Increasing pet ownership and demand for veterinary services
> Retirements of older veterinarians
> Challenges retaining vets in rural areas
> Insufficient government funding for veterinary education

Can foreign veterinarians work in Canada?

Yes, foreign veterinarians can immigrate and work in Canada after passing the NAVLE licensing exam and meeting specific provincial requirements. Options like the Express Entry program and provincial nominee programs help qualified international vets address labor shortages in the Canadian veterinary field.

Article Sources

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Vet in Canada – veterinary.rossu.edu
How to Become a Vet in Canada: Your Ultimate Outline – sgu.edu

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