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.
  • 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.

Source National Occupational Classification

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 in your province or territory.

Table listing provincial regulation requirements
Location Job title Regulation Regulatory body
Alberta Veterinarian Regulated Alberta Veterinary Medical Association
British Columbia Veterinarian Regulated College of Veterinarians of British Columbia
Manitoba Veterinarian & Veterinary Technologist Regulated Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association
New Brunswick Veterinarian Regulated New Brunswick Veterinary Medical Association
Newfoundland and Labrador Veterinarian Regulated Newfoundland and Labrador Veterinary Licensing Board, Newfoundland and Labrador College of Veterinarians
Northwest Territories Veterinarian Regulated Registrar, Professional Licensing, Department of Health and Social Services
Nova Scotia Veterinarian Regulated Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association
Ontario Veterinarian Regulated College of Veterinarians of Ontario
Prince Edward Island Veterinarian Regulated PEI Veterinary Medical Association
Québec Veterinarian Regulated Ordre des médecins vétérinaires du Québec
Saskatchewan Veterinarian Regulated Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

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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