Get a Jobs as an Vet in Canada Full Time

If You Are a Canadian-Trained Vet

1. Complete Your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) & Licensing Graduate from a recognized Canadian university.

• Successfully complete the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination, or NAVLE.
• Obtain a license from the veterinary regulatory body in your province or territory.

2. Look for Employment Possibilities

Take a look at these platforms:

• Yes, Canada
• The Workopolis
• Career Center at CVMA
• VetStrategy
• websites owned by veterinary clinics (e.g., VetCare, VCA Canada, etc.)

3. Get Your CV or Resume Ready for Veterinary Practice

• Cover letter (tailored to each clinic)
• References (mentors, instructors, and previous employers)

4. Apply and Interview

Demonstrate both technical proficiency and effective communication.

Stress:

• Experience with animal care
• Compassion
• Cooperation within the team
• Understanding of Canadian standards for animal health

If you are a veterinarian with foreign training,

1. Credential Assessment

Under the CVMA, get in touch with the National Examining Board (NEB).

Send in:

• Academic transcripts
• Evidence of a veterinary degree (from an institution recognized by the AVMA or its equivalent)

2. Pass the necessary tests

The NAVLE must be passed.

Maybe you’ll need:

• Exam for Basic and Clinical Sciences (BCSE)
• Clinical Proficiency Exam (CPE) (in the event that the school lacks accreditation)

3. Submit an application for a provincial license and register

With the provincial veterinary regulatory body, including:

• College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO), Ontario
• British Columbia: CVBC
• ABVMA in Alberta
• OMVQ in Quebec

4. Work permit and job search

• If you are not a permanent resident, apply for a work permit.
• Look through employment boards or submit an application straight to clinics and veterinary hospitals.

Average Salary of an Vet

Canadian Veterinarian Working Hours

Full-time vets usually put in between 35 and 45 hours a week.

Typical schedules:

🔸 8 AM to 5 PM or 9 AM to 6 PM

🔸 Some clinics are open on weekends or evenings.

🔸 Emergency or rural veterinarians may work night shifts or on-call.

Part-time vets may work:

🔹 10 to 30 hours per  week

Special and emergency veterinarians frequently work longer or erratic hours.

Allowances and Benefits

Advantages in Canada as an Vet

1. High Demand for Jobs

There are plenty of job opportunities in Canada because there is a shortage of veterinarians, particularly in rural areas.

With competitive offers, new graduates frequently find employment quickly.

2. Competitive Pay and Benefits

The typical annual salary ranges from CAD $80,000 to $130,000+, with higher earnings possible in specialized fields or ownership.

Typical advantages consist of:

• Insurance for health, dental, and vision
• Plans for retirement savings
• Allowances for paid continuing education (CE)
• Coverage of professional membership and licensing fees

3. Flexibility in Careers

Opportunities for employment in:

• Tiny veterinary clinics
• Practices involving large or farm animals
• Conservation and wildlife
• Academics and research
• Food safety and public health
• The capacity to move between rural and urban environments.

4. Trust and Professional Respect

In Canadian society, veterinarians are held in high regard. Dependable for contributions to agriculture, public health, and pet care.

5. Possibility of Work-Life Balance

Numerous clinics provide flexible schedules, including telemedicine, 4-day weeks, and part-time work. Rural veterinarians frequently work in more varied and outdoor settings.

6. PR & Immigration Routes

Since veterinarians are in high demand in Canada, skilled immigrants will have an easier time obtaining work permits or permanent residence.

7. Assistance for Continuing Education

To keep skills up-to-date, employers frequently cover the cost of conferences, CE courses, and new certifications.

8. Impact on the Community

Enhance public health, assist farmers, and directly improve animal welfare. Solid ties within the community, particularly in small towns.

Total Investment for all this process for a foreigner

1. Recognition and Licensing of Credentials (NEB Process)

Foreign veterinary credentials must be recognized by the National Examining Board (NEB).

Step Price (approximately CAD)

• Initial submission to NEB: $345
• Document Assessment: $1,000
• Exam for Basic and Clinical Sciences (BCSE) $1,000
• Exam for North American Veterinary Licensing (NAVLE) $1,400
• Exam for Clinical Proficiency (CPE): Between $8,500 and $9,000
• Additional administrative costs (transcripts, certificates): between $200 and $400
• Subtotal (NEB process) → approximately $12,500 to $13,500

2. Local Permits

You have to register in the province where you plan to work after completing NEB.
Depending on the province, the average provincial license fee ranges from $1,000 to $2,000.

3. Express Entry/Skilled Worker Visa Cost for Immigration and Relocation Items: $1,365 for the

• Application plus $85 for biometrics
• Language Exam (CELPIP/IELTS): $300
• medical examination: between $200 and $300
• Police certifications $50 to $100
• Immigration-mandated settlement money (for one person) $14,690 (must appear in your bank account; it cannot be spent)
• Travel to Canada by air: between $1,000 and $2,000
• Initial living and housing costs (three to six months) Between $6,000 and $12,000

4. Bridging Education (If Needed)

You might require short courses or a bridging program if your degree isn’t fully recognized:

• Depending on the program and length, the cost can range from $5,000 to $15,000.
• Estimated Total Investment
• $25,000 to $35,000 CAD if the degree is fully recognized.
• $35,000 to $50,000 CAD if a bridging program is needed.