Working as a Veterinarian
Industry Overview
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association reports a serious shortage of veterinarians across Canada. According to the Canadian Occupational Projection System, the number of job openings for veterinarians is expected to total 5,000 between 2022 to 2031, while the number of job seekers is expected to total only 4,300.
Growth for veterinarians has been driven by pet owners spending more on animal care and technological and medical advancements enabling better care for animals. Employment opportunities are also available for those willing to handle large animals or work in rural and isolated areas.
Many veterinarians work as employees for several years before forming partnerships or starting new practices. The cost of setting up a new business in veterinary medicine can be as high as $500,000.
Veterinarians also provide expertise in the area of disease outbreak identification and control. You may help to ensure food safety for humans during food production from animal sources.
Job Outlook in BC
Chart from WorkBC
Regional Outlook: 2023-2033
| Region | Employment in 2023 | Average Annual Employment Growth | Expected Number of Job Openings 2023-2033 |
| Vancouver Island | 380 | 0.6% | 140 |
| Lower Mainland / Southwest | 800 | 0.9% | 330 |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 195 | 1.3% | 80 |
| Kootenay | 50 | -1.1% | 10 |
| Cariboo | 35 | -0.3% | 10 |
You can learn more about working as a Veterinarian in BC from:
Types of Employers
The majority of veterinarians work in private practices. You may also work for the government or private industry in areas such as animal disease research, zoo consultation, or meat and milk inspection (at packing plants and dairies). Some teach in veterinary schools.
Salary & Working Hours
The median annual salary for veterinarians working full-time in BC is $125,136. If you own a successful private practice, you may earn more. Veterinary surgeons and researchers typically earn the highest salaries.
In addition to a salary, most full-time veterinarians receive health and dental benefits, paid sick days, and paid vacations. If you are self-employed, you must provide your own benefits.
Sources: Work BC & Career Cruising
Job Bank Canada Wage Reports provides annual wage range for Veterinarians:
Source: Job Bank Canada, Wage Reports
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency publishes the salary ranges for veterinarians employed by the federal agency.
Working Hours
You generally work 8 to 10 hours a day, up to approximately 50 to 60 hours a week. You may work nights and weekends to accommodate the schedules of pet owners.
It is common for a large animal veterinarian to be called out to a farm for an emergency in the middle of the night.