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.

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 and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification process.

Alberta

Job title Veterinarians

British Columbia

Job title Veterinarian

Manitoba

Job title Veterinarian & Veterinary Technologist
Regulated

New Brunswick

Job title Veterinarian

Nova Scotia

Job title Veterinarian
Regulated

Nunavut

Job title Veterinarians
Regulated

Ontario

Job title Veterinarian
Regulated

Prince Edward Island

Job title Veterinarian
Regulated

Québec

Job title Veterinarian

Saskatchewan

Job title Veterinarian
Regulated

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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