31103

Veterinarians

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Health

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Definition

Veterinarians prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and disorders in animals and advise clients on the feeding, hygiene, housing and general care of animals. They can also perform surgical procedures. They work in private practice or may be employed by animal clinics, farms, laboratories, government or industry.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Diagnose diseases or abnormal conditions in individual animals, herds and flocks through physical examinations or laboratory tests
Treat sick or injured animals by prescribing medication, setting bones, dressing wounds or performing surgery
Vaccinate animals to prevent and treat diseases
Perform routine, emergency and post-mortem examinations
Advise clients on feeding, housing, behaviour, breeding, hygiene and general care of animals
Provide a range of veterinary services including obstetrics, dentistry and euthanasia
May supervise animal health technologists and animal care workers
May be responsible for overall operation of animal hospital, clinic or mobile service to farms
May conduct veterinary research related to areas such as animal nutrition, health care products development and disease prevention and control
May enforce government regulations in disease control and food production including animal or animal-based food inspection.

Example job titles

•farm veterinarian
•small animal veterinary specialist
•veterinarian
•veterinary inspector
•veterinary pathologist
•veterinary physiologist
•veterinary surgeon
•zoo veterinarian

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, veterinarians are classified under NOC code 31103. This is a TEER 1 occupation representing highly skilled professionals who diagnose, prevent, and treat diseases and disorders in domestic, farm, and wild animals. Veterinarians in Canada may practice in various settings, including private veterinary clinics, agricultural consultancies, animal research facilities, laboratories, or federal and provincial government departments overseeing food safety and animal health.

To immigrate to Canada as a veterinarian through economic immigration programs such as the Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker Program or regional Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), candidates must satisfy specific educational and professional prerequisites. Applicants must hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or an equivalent accredited university degree in veterinary medicine. Additionally, practicing veterinary medicine in Canada requires mandatory licensure from the provincial or territorial regulatory body in the region of intended employment, which typically involves passing the National Board Exams administered by the National Examining Board (NEB) of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).

Disclaimer: This information is for educational and general informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal or Canadian immigration advice. For specific case evaluations, consult with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or an authorized immigration attorney.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.