Written by AI from public information on 2026-10-26. Fees and rules change and vary by province — confirm with the official body before relying on anything here.
Typical cost
about CA$3,000 to CA$6,000
an estimate in Canadian dollars
Time to earn it
about 1 to 2 years
Issued by Canadian Veterinary Medical Association National Examining Board and provincial veterinary regulators
Required to start: Practising veterinary medicine needs a licence from the provincial veterinary regulator.
About
In Canada, practising veterinary medicine is regulated by law. You cannot diagnose, treat or operate on animals as a veterinarian unless you hold a licence. Each province and territory has its own regulator that decides who may practise in its area.
Most applicants first earn a veterinary degree from a recognized school. They then show they have the knowledge and skills needed to practise safely. This is done through a national exam run by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association National Examining Board, along with the registration steps of the provincial regulator.
A licence is needed for nearly every veterinary career. This includes small animal, large animal, exotic animal, emergency and zoo medicine. It also applies to specialist roles such as surgery, anesthesia and pathology.
How to get it
Earn a veterinary degree
Complete a veterinary medicine degree at a school recognized in Canada. This is the main education step and takes the longest.
Check your regulator's rules
Contact the veterinary regulator in the province or territory where you plan to work. Ask what documents, forms and proof of education they require.
Register for the national exam
Apply to take the national exam through the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association National Examining Board. Graduates trained outside Canada may have extra assessment steps first.
Pass the exam
Prepare carefully and sit the required exam. Your result is shared with your provincial regulator as part of your application.
Apply for your licence
Submit your application to the provincial regulator. This usually includes proof of your degree, exam results, identity documents and any background checks they require.
Pay fees and start practising
Once approved and registered, you receive your licence and may legally work as a veterinarian in that province or territory.
The exam
The national exam is a written test of the knowledge a new veterinarian needs to practise safely. It covers many animal species and areas of veterinary medicine. Some applicants must also complete a clinical skills assessment, depending on where they trained. Plan for several months of study and use the study materials offered by the examining board.
Licensed by each province
Each province and territory issues this itself, under its own rules. Each province and territory sets its own licensing rules, fees, forms and renewal dates. The national exam is shared across the country, but the final licence comes from the local regulator. If you move to another province, you will usually need to apply to that new regulator. Many regulators have ways to make moving easier for licensed veterinarians, but you should always check the specific rules first.
Careers that mention it
No Canadian career on the site names this yet.
Keeping it
Veterinary licences must be renewed on a regular schedule set by your provincial regulator. Renewal usually means paying a fee and confirming that you are still fit to practise. Many regulators also expect you to complete ongoing learning and keep records of it. Missing a renewal deadline can lead to extra fees or a loss of your right to practise.