Veterinary Jobs in Canada – A Detailed Guide

Canada’s veterinary sector continues to be an essential part of the country’s healthcare system, offering diverse career opportunities for individuals passionate about animal welfare and health. Whether you’re looking to become a veterinarian, veterinary technician, or work in a support role, Canada offers a wide range of veterinary jobs across urban centers and rural communities alike. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of veterinary jobs available in Canada in 2026, including salary expectations, educational requirements, and job outlook.

Types of Veterinary Jobs in Canada

Veterinary jobs in Canada are varied and cater to many different interests and specialties within the animal healthcare field. Here’s a breakdown of the most common veterinary roles:

1. Veterinarian

Veterinarians are licensed medical professionals responsible for diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases in animals. They play a critical role in maintaining the health and welfare of both domestic pets and livestock, as well as wildlife.

Responsibilities:

• Diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and diseases in animals.
• Perform surgeries, administer vaccinations, and provide preventive care.
• Advise pet owners on the health and well-being of their animals.
• Work in private practices, research facilities, animal shelters, and farms.
• Keep detailed records of treatments and procedures.

Skills & Requirements:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) degree from an accredited institution.
• Licensure from the Veterinary Medical Association in the province where you plan to work.
• Strong communication skills to work with animal owners and staff.
• Compassionate and detail-oriented approach to animal care.

Salary Expectations:

• Veterinarian: $75,000 – $120,000 per year (depending on experience, location, and area of specialization).

Job Outlook:

Veterinarians continue to be in high demand across Canada. The increase in pet ownership, as well as a growing need for livestock health and welfare, contributes to a strong job outlook for veterinarians in both urban and rural settings. Provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have especially high demand for veterinarians.

2. Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech)

Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians in diagnosing and treating animals. They perform various tasks in veterinary clinics, hospitals, and research labs, ensuring smooth operations and providing direct care to animals.

Responsibilities:

• Assist veterinarians during exams, surgeries, and medical procedures.
• Take X-rays, blood samples, and perform lab tests.
• Administer medications and vaccinations.
• Monitor the health and behavior of animals before, during, and after procedures.
• Educate pet owners about proper care and treatments.

Skills & Requirements:

• Diploma or degree in Veterinary Technology from an accredited college or university.
• Certification from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) (in some provinces).
• Ability to handle animals of various sizes and temperaments.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.

Salary Expectations:

• Veterinary Technician: $38,000 – $55,000 per year.

Job Outlook:

As pet ownership continues to rise and demand for veterinary care increases, the need for veterinary technicians is expected to remain high. Veterinary techs are especially in demand in larger cities and areas with multiple veterinary clinics. Technicians with specialized skills (e.g., anesthesia, radiology, or laboratory work) often have more job opportunities.

3. Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary assistants work under the supervision of veterinarians and veterinary technicians to provide support in animal care and clinic operations. They handle animals, prepare them for treatment, clean equipment, and assist with routine procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Assist veterinarians and technicians with medical procedures and exams.
• Provide basic care for animals (feeding, bathing, and grooming).
• Clean and sterilize equipment and exam rooms.
• Record patient information and assist with office tasks.
• Help with the maintenance of clinic supplies and inventory.

Skills & Requirements:

• High school diploma (some employers may require post-secondary education or certificates in veterinary assistance).
• Ability to work with animals and handle stressful situations.
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
• Compassion and a genuine interest in animal care.

Salary Expectations:

• Veterinary Assistant: $30,000 – $42,000 per year.

Job Outlook:

While veterinary assistant roles generally have a lower salary than technicians or veterinarians, they are often an entry-level position in the veterinary field. This role is ideal for individuals looking to gain experience before pursuing more advanced positions in veterinary medicine.

4. Animal Health Technologist

Animal health technologists, similar to veterinary technicians, focus on the health and care of animals in clinical settings. They may work in animal hospitals, laboratories, or research facilities, and often specialize in areas like animal nutrition, reproduction, and pathology.

Responsibilities:

• Diagnose health problems using laboratory tests and clinical exams.
• Administer vaccines and medications.
• Monitor and assist with animal surgeries and post-surgery recovery.
• Educate pet owners and farmers on the care of their animals.

Skills & Requirements:

• Degree or diploma in Animal Health Technology.
• Certification from the Canadian Animal Health Technologists and Technicians Association (CAHTA).
• Strong background in biology, chemistry, and animal physiology.

Salary Expectations:

• Animal Health Technologist: $50,000 – $70,000 per year.

Job Outlook:

With growing concerns for animal welfare and increasing demand for animal-based research, the demand for animal health technologists is expected to increase. This is especially true in larger urban centers and institutions engaged in veterinary research.

5. Research Veterinarian

Research veterinarians work in laboratory settings, research institutions, or universities, studying animal health, behavior, and disease transmission. They may contribute to the development of vaccines, medical treatments, or animal care protocols.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct clinical trials and research studies to develop new treatments.
• Analyze animal behavior and health for various studies.
• Work with pharmaceutical companies to develop vaccines or medications.
• Collaborate with other scientists and researchers on projects.

Skills & Requirements:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.
• Specialized experience in animal research or veterinary science.
• Strong knowledge of research methods and laboratory techniques.

Salary Expectations:

• Research Veterinarian: $80,000 – $100,000+ per year.

Job Outlook:

As the demand for veterinary research grows, particularly in areas like veterinary pharmaceuticals and disease prevention, there is a steady need for research veterinarians. Many positions are available in universities, government agencies, and private research companies.

Where to Find Veterinary Jobs in Canada

Veterinary jobs in Canada can be found in a variety of settings, from private practices to research labs, zoos, and wildlife conservation projects. Some of the best places to search for veterinary job opportunities include:

• Job Search Websites: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Job Bank are excellent resources for finding veterinary job postings across Canada.
• Professional Associations: The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and provincial associations often list job openings on their websites.
• Veterinary Clinics and Hospitals: Many veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and shelters post job openings on their own websites or advertise locally.
• University Job Boards: Universities with veterinary schools often have job boards for recent graduates or individuals seeking to enter the field.

How to Apply for Veterinary Jobs in Canada

1. Education & Training: Ensure you have the necessary education and certifications. For veterinarians, this means completing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, while for technicians and assistants, a diploma or certification is typically required.
2. Licensing: Depending on the province, you may need to be licensed to practice. For example, veterinarians must pass exams administered by the National Examining Board and be registered with the provincial veterinary regulatory body.
3. Gain Experience: Many veterinary roles, especially those in clinical practice, require prior experience. Volunteering, internships, or working as a veterinary assistant or technician can provide valuable hands-on experience.
4. Network: Networking with professionals in the veterinary field can open up job opportunities. Attending veterinary conferences, joining local veterinary associations, and connecting with industry professionals on LinkedIn can be helpful.
5. Stay Updated: Veterinary medicine is constantly evolving, and continuing education or certifications can make you more competitive in the job market. Specialized areas such as animal surgery, dentistry, and dermatology can lead to more job opportunities and higher salaries.

Veterinary jobs in Canada offer diverse career paths for individuals interested in animal health and welfare. From working as a veterinarian or technician to roles in research or animal welfare, there is a wide range of opportunities available across the country. Whether you’re drawn to working with pets, livestock, or wildlife, the demand for skilled veterinary professionals is strong in 2026.

As you explore potential careers, consider the level of education and training required, as well as the job outlook and salary expectations. With the right qualifications and a passion for animal care, a veterinary career in Canada can be both personally fulfilling and financially rewarding.