Job requirements Veterinarian in Canada
Find out what you typically need to work as a veterinarian in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Veterinarians (NOC 31103).
Employment requirements
This is what you typically need for the job.
- Doctor of veterinary medicine
- Two years of pre-veterinary university studies or completion of a college program in health science and a four to five year university degree in veterinary medicine and successful completion of an examination leading to a national certification are required.
- A provincial licence to practice is required.
- Veterinary specialists
- Completion of a degree in veterinary medicine and three to four years of additional postgraduate studies or residency program in the specialty of their choice are required.
- Veterinary specialists must be accredited by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) or the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP). In Quebec, they must be accredited by the Ordre des médecins vétérinaires du Québec and only 18 specialties are recognized.
- A provincial license to practice is required.
- Research veterinarian
- Two years of pre-veterinary university studies or completion of a college program in health science and a four to five year university degree in veterinary medicine and successful completion of an examination leading to a national certification are required.
- Entry into research positions may require postgraduate study.
- A provincial license to practice is required.
Professional certification and licensing
You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification process.
Alberta
Job title
Veterinarians
Regulated
Regulatory body:
Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
British Columbia
Job title
Veterinarian
Regulated
Regulatory body:
College of Veterinarians of British Columbia
Manitoba
Job title
Veterinarian & Veterinary Technologist
Regulated
Regulatory body:
Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association
New Brunswick
Job title
Veterinarian
Regulated
Regulatory body:
New Brunswick Veterinary Medical Association (NBVMA)
Newfoundland and Labrador
Job title
Veterinarian
Regulated
Northwest Territories
Job title
Veterinarian
Regulated
Nova Scotia
Job title
Veterinarian
Regulated
Regulatory body:
Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association
Nunavut
Job title
Veterinarians
Regulated
Regulatory body:
Registrar, Department of Health Professions
Ontario
Job title
Veterinarian
Regulated
Regulatory body:
College of Veterinarians of Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Job title
Veterinarian
Regulated
Regulatory body:
PEI Veterinary Medical Association
Québec
Job title
Veterinarian
Regulated
Regulatory body:
Ordre des médecins vétérinaires du Québec
Saskatchewan
Job title
Veterinarian
Regulated
Regulatory body:
Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association
Do you want to work in another province or territory?
If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.
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