Vet Jobs Canada

Canada – Often receiving the accolade as being one of the best places in the world to live, it now has a country wide policy of multiculturalism. A peaceful nation known for its great variety of seasons.

Famous for the 8th wonder of the world, the Niagara Falls. Canada can also offer a once in a lifetime opportunity to practice veterinary medicine to an exceptional level.

Canada has lots to offer vets in terms of employment. Clinical roles are wide and varied from city centric to more rural settings, there are relief Veterinary jobs or permanent roles to suit you.

General Practitioners have excellent work lives and if you want to move into a more specialist or senior role the avenues can be found quite easily. 

What are the Best Places for Veterinarians to Work in Canada?

Canada is a huge country so there is no shortage of places to work either. There are positions in the Veterinary industry from Toronto to Vancouver and Nova Scotia to British Columbia.

If your choice of destination is not included above, we are sure to have an option near there!

How Much do Vets Earn in Canada?

Veterinarians in Canada usually earn between CAD$100K-$150K per year or above for certain job roles. Veterinary technicians can expect to earn around CAD$21 – $40 per hour.

Other benefits can be included in these packages including, further training, insurance, membership fees, vehicles, accommodation and even flight/relocation assistance at times which is all worth more on top of your salary. Added incentives like commission earnings on top of a base salary can be included in contracts which make things quite lucrative.

What is the Work/Life Balance for Veterinarians in Canada?

Have you ever considered being able to just head skiing at the weekend? As you probably are already aware, working in the Veterinary industry and having a balance of work and life is sometimes hard to get right. 

In Canada practices expect you to work hard but it is important also to look after yourself mentally and physically, so activities are actively encouraged. 

The Canadian practices want Vets who will be able to stay in the industry and enjoy their work and time. Lots of roles offer employees perks such as further education and extended consult times which can be as long as 30 minutes per patient in general practice. If this is something that is important to you, you also may want to consider locum opportunities which offers flexibility in the workplace.

The Vet Service can help to liaise between the veterinarians and the practice to make sure the role is just the right fit for both the candidate and the employer.

Are Relocation Fees Available for Vets in Canada?

This is only relevant if you are moving from an international country but always consider relocation fees. This may be something you have to save for after deciding to make the move. Here at The Vet Service, we have many roles and veterinary practices that cover these costs for you and to help you financially settle into your new life in Canada as a Vet.

What are the Legal Requirements to Practice Veterinary in Canada?

To practice as or represent yourself as a Veterinarian in Canada please contact the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association or equivalent in that state or territory to ensure you understand and fully comply with the registration requirements, relevant acts and regulations.

All applicants must satisfy the Council that they can communicate in and understand English to an appropriate standard for practising as a Veterinarian in Canada. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of English competency by sitting and passing an approved English test to the required level.

All vets will be expected to be registered with the CVMA and the local province, but International Vets will be required to have passed the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE). For further details on this and what university degrees are accredited please contact us for further details.

What Visa do Vets Need to Work in Canada?

Before you start work in Canada, you need to ensure that you have an appropriate visa if you are not a Canadian citizen. Please contact the Department of Immigration in Canada for further information.

The good news is that Veterinarians are in high demand in Canada as there is a skills shortage in this occupation. This makes the process of applying for temporary and full permanent residency much easier.

If you are aged between 18 and 30 years you may also be eligible for a working holiday visa for Canada. We can point you in the right direction for an appropriate Visa so get in touch for our full “Working in Canada” Document.

Why Work as a Veterinarian in Canada?

• Veterinary is a well-respected profession in the country, with relocation packages often offered for international candidates. The average salary for a Canadian veterinarian is CAD$100K– $150K making it one of the highest-paying country for Vets to work in.
• The standard of living is rated second in the world for quality of life – with affordable living costs, a low crime rate and free healthcare for both citizens and permanent residents.
• The country has a brilliant outdoor lifestyle, with a dramatic landscape and distinct seasons that means you can enjoy snow sports, mountain biking, water sports and much more.