Many veterinarians in the United States reach a point where they consider working in another state. Maybe it’s for a better job, a lifestyle change, or simply to follow a partner or family. With a projected shortage of 15,000 veterinary jobs by 2030, there are plenty of openings across the US. But unlike some other professions, veterinarians cannot easily move roles between states.
Whether you’re relocating permanently or exploring relief work in another state, there are a few things you’ll need to plan for. This guide covers the licensing process, salary expectations, and practical tips to help you make a smooth transition.
Do You Need a New Licence?
In most cases, yes. The US does not have a national veterinary licence. Each state operates its own veterinary medical board and sets its own licensing rules.
That means if you’re licensed in Texas and want to work in Colorado, you’ll need to apply for a Colorado veterinary licence – even if you’ve been practising for years. There are some exceptions for federally employed vets (e.g. USDA, military), and a few temporary allowances in public health or mobile clinic roles, but those are rare.
Quick Example:
If you’re moving from Florida to North Carolina, you’ll need to:
- Submit a licence application to the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board
- Verify your current Florida licence
- Pass North Carolina’s state-specific Veterinary Jurisprudence Exam (VJE)
- Pay associated fees (currently $150–$300 depending on services)
Each state board lists its own requirements, which you can find via the AAVSB directory of licensing boards.
How to Get Licensed in Another State
The process typically involves:
- Application and Fee
Apply through the state’s veterinary board and pay the relevant application and licence fees. - Credential Verification
Submit proof of your degree, NAVLE results, and active licence in another state.
Many states use the AAVSB’s VAULT Transfer System, which streamlines this step and ensures all the right details are provided. - State Law Exam
Most states require you to pass a state-specific jurisprudence exam. This test checks your knowledge of local laws and regulations – such as prescribing rules, scope of practice, and recordkeeping. - Background Check
Some states also require fingerprinting and criminal background checks.
Tip: Some states offer temporary licences or provisional permits while your full application is being processed. If you’re starting a new job soon, ask the board if this is available.
What About Salary and Pay Differences?
Veterinary pay in the US can vary widely from state to state – driven by cost of living, demand, and type of practice.
According to the The Vet Service’s US state veterinary salary report, the median annual salary for a mid-level vet (2- 10 years’ experience) is $125,000. But that median salary figure varies drastically between different states as you can see from a few examples below:
- California: ~$156,280
- Texas: ~$153,475
- Nebraska: ~$84,275
- Montana: ~$86,455
Of course, states with higher salaries often have higher costs of living. For example, practising in California might pay more than in rural Kentucky – but your housing and expenses will likely be far greater too, so it’s worth considering the wider cost of living vs. the salary.
What Else Should You Consider?
Relocating across state lines isn’t just about getting a new licence or adjusting your pay. Here are a few other things to keep in mind:
Continuing Education (CE)
Each state has its own rules about CE hours, reporting periods, and accepted course formats. For example:
- New York requires 45 CE hours every three years
- Florida requires 30 hours every two years, including 1 hour in laws/rules
Be sure to check if your completed CE hours transfer or if you’ll need additional training to meet your new state’s requirements.
Malpractice Insurance
If you’re covered by an insurer like AVMA PLIT, you may need to update your practice location. Coverage might not automatically extend to other states.
Prescribing and Practice Rules
The scope of practice can vary state-by-stae. Some states have different supervision requirements for veterinary technicians, or unique rules around telemedicine and mobile practice. Always review the state’s Practice Act or Administrative Code.
Can Veterinarians Work in Multiple States?
Yes, but you’ll need a valid licence in each state where you practise – even if it’s just a few days of relief work per month. Some states also have licence reciprocity agreements, though they’re not widespread.
Locum and mobile vets often maintain 2–3 active state licences. However, that means tracking multiple sets of CE, renewals, and legal obligations.
Example:
A vet licensed in Arizona and Nevada working at clinics in both states must:
- Meet CE requirements for both
- Renew each licence separately
- Stay updated on both states’ laws and ethics exams
Telemedicine and State Licensure
Virtual care is rapidly growing in veterinary medicine, but licensing laws haven’t fully caught up. If you’re offering telemedicine across state lines, you typically need to hold a licence in the state where the animal is located, not just where you’re based.
This requirement is tied to the legal concept of a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). In most states, you must establish this relationship through an in-person exam before providing diagnosis, treatment, or prescriptions – even if the consultation itself takes place online.
What the Law Says
According to the Veterinary Virtual Care Association (VVCA), a valid VCPR generally requires the veterinarian to:
- Take responsibility for clinical decisions and obtain the client’s agreement
- Have sufficient knowledge of the patient – usually from an in-person exam or direct observation
- Be available for follow-up if treatment fails or complications occur
Some states allow for a virtual VCPR under certain conditions, especially for follow-up care, triage, or postoperative checks. However, in most jurisdictions, prescribing medications or making new diagnoses via telemedicine – without a prior in-person exam – is still not permitted.
The Veterinary Virtual Care Association (VVCA) maintains a handy interactive telemedicine map showing the rules in each state and which US states currently allow a VCPR to be established virtually. It’s a valuable resource for vets considering remote work across state lines.
Need Help Working in Another State? The Vet Service Can Help!
Whether you’re relocating for family, career growth, or a better work-life balance, veterinary job opportunities exist all across the country. And with growing demand for vets nationwide, many employers are ready to support your transition.
If you’re considering a move and need help finding a new role and understanding the requirements for different states, The Vet Service can help. We are veterinary recruitment experts that can help you connect with clinics that suit your goals. Explore our job openings in the US or register today to speak to a specialist veterinary job advisor.
