Thinking about working as a vet in the United States? Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, the US offers a wide range of veterinary opportunities – from busy small animal clinics to rural mixed-practice roles.
But before you start packing, there’s a bit of paperwork to get through. From licensing and certification to visa requirements, the process can feel overwhelming at first.
Here’s the plan and guidance we give as veterinary recruitment specialists to any foreign vets looking to work in the US:
Why Do Vets Want to Work in the US?
For many vets, it’s not just about the job – it’s about the lifestyle. The US offers a mix of work-life balance, location variety, and personal freedom that appeals to professionals at every stage.
Whether you’re after the pace of a big city or the quintessential American rural life experience, there’s a place to suit you.
US veterinary salaries are also some of the highest in the world, with entry-level positions starting at $100,000 – $120,000 and more experienced or specialist vets able to earn much more. There is a large income gap in different parts of the country though so if money is a big factor in your decision, please check out our US state vet salary report.
Is Your Veterinary Degree Accepted in the US?
If you earned your veterinary degree outside the US or Canada, there are two options to understand whether your veterinary degree will be accepted:
1. Graduated from an AVMA accredited university:
You will then need to pass the NAVLE only and undergo state licensing.
2. Graduate from an non – AVMA accredited university:
If you graduated from a non-AVMA accredited university, there are two main options for getting your degree certified in the US:
ECFVG (Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates)
Run by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), this is the most widely recognised certification route. It includes:
- Verifying your credentials
- Passing an English test (TOEFL)
- Completing science-based exams
- Taking part in a hands-on clinical skills assessment
You can find full details on the AVMA’s official ECFVG page.
PAVE (Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence)
This is offered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). It follows a similar process to ECFVG but is only accepted in certain states. The steps include:
- Credential checks
- An English proficiency test
- A qualifying science exam
- Supervised clinical experience at a US vet school
Visit the AAVSB website to check which states accept PAVE.
Getting Licensed to Practise Veterinary in the US
Once you’ve completed either ECFVG or PAVE, you can apply for a veterinary licence – but keep in mind that licensing is done at the state level. Each state has its own rules and requirements.
Most states will ask you to:
- Submit proof of your education and certifications
- Pass the NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Exam)
- Complete a state-specific law or ethics test
- Provide references or clinical experience details
Some states process applications faster than others, so it helps to choose where you want to work early on so you can tailor your paperwork to their system.
What Visa Do You Need?
To legally work in the US, you’ll need a visa that allows employment. The best option depends on your nationality, qualifications, and the type of job you’re applying for. Here are the main visa options for foreign-born veterinarians:
Temporary Work Visas (H-1B)
If you’re looking to work in the US as a vet, the H-1B visa is one of the most common options. It allows you to live and work in the country for an initial period of six months to three years, with the possibility to extend.
In many cases, after around five years of working in the US on a temporary visa, you may be able to apply for permanent residency. The exact timeline and requirements can vary, so it’s best to speak with your employer or a veterinary recruitment specialist to check what applies in your situation.
Permanent Residency (Green Card)
If you’re planning to move to the US for the long term, you’ll need a permanent job offer from a US employer. They’ll need to file an I-140 Immigrant Petition on your behalf. Once that’s approved, you can apply for a permanent resident visa (also known as a green card).
Once you’re granted a green card, you can live and work in the US indefinitely – and the best part is, you can change jobs without needing to apply for a new visa each time.
TN Visa (Canada and Mexico)
If you’re from Canada or Mexico, the TN visa is often the simplest route. You’ll need a formal job offer and documents proving you meet the education requirements.
What Vet Jobs Are Available in the US?
Right now, there’s a nationwide shortage of veterinarians in the US. Demand is especially high in emergency care, rural practice, and food animal medicine.
The popularity of the profession looks set to continue, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that vet jobs will grow by 19% between 2023 and 2033.
In-demand veterinary roles include:
- Small animal general practice
- Emergency and critical care
- Mixed animal and large animal practice
- Shelter and community medicine
- Public health and regulatory work
Employers range from independent clinics to national chains, teaching hospitals, and government agencies. Even if you’re early in your career, there are plenty of places looking for motivated vets – especially if you’re open to working outside the big cities.
To discover specific job openings, please browse all or our veterinary jobs in the US or take a look some of the most popular areas:
Adjusting to Life and Work in the US
Even with the same medical training, clinical work in the US might feel a bit different to working in your home country, with some major differences being:
- Clients often want detailed explanations and shared decision-making
- Appointments are fast-paced and usually follow a tight schedule
- Medical records and liability protocols are taken seriously
You might also notice differences in drug names, surgical procedures, or insurance systems. Most clinics provide some form of onboarding or mentorship to help you settle in, especially if you’re new to the country.
Want to make your Dream Veterinary Career in the US a Reality? The Vet Service Can Help!
Working as a veterinarian in the US is a great opportunity, whether you’re looking for career growth, lifestyle change, or clinical variety. The process of finding the right job, licensing and visa application all takes time, but it will all be worth it due to the perks of working in the US.
The Vet Service can simplify the job finding process for you. We are a specialist veterinary recruitment agency that help vets find work abroad, with the US one of our most popular target countries.
Our team has placed hundreds of foreign veterinarians in the US, so can guide you every step of the way, from finding your ideal job to visa and relocation support.
Explore our list of veterinary jobs in the US today or register for free for our veterinary job finding service.
