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Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

The Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) is the oldest veterinary school in Canada. It is located on the campus of the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. The OVC is one of five veterinary schools that offer the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, DVM program in Canada. The program is highly competitive and only admits a select number of applicants each year. The OVC was ranked 1st in Canada and 5th in the world for veterinary medicine by the QS World University Rankings 2020.

Improve animal, human, and ecosystem health.

OVC Ranks #1 in Canada, 3rd in North America and 5th in the World, for Veterinary Science. (Source: QS World University Rankings, 2020)

For graduates from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) the pursuit of excellence is a way of life.

Since 1862, OVC has excelled in teaching the art of veterinary medicine and in developing the very best in those who practice it. The study of veterinary medicine is a dynamic blend of science, technology and experience. At OVC, students can follow their passion, find their calling, and discover how they can contribute to the ever-evolving world of medicine, care, scientific discovery and community. 

Overview

Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) is the oldest veterinary college in Canada and the US. Founded in Toronto in 1862, the College moved to Guelph in 1922. 

Today more than 400 students are enrolled in the professional DVM Program and approximately 175 in graduate programs. Dedicated to the advancement of veterinary and comparative medicine, OVC faculty members have a distinguished international reputation for excellence in teaching, research and service. 

The Ontario Veterinary College is accredited by the Canadian and American Veterinary Medical Associations and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the United Kingdom.

What does it mean to be an OVC graduate? 

An Ontario Veterinary College education trains students to excel in veterinary medicine through a learner-centred curriculum and a history of innovation that continually sets the standard for excellence in veterinary medical education.

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program is accredited by the Canadian and American Veterinary Medical Associations. 

Admission Requirements

• Completion of a minimum of two years of full time studies in an undergraduate degree program. Applications to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program may be submitted during your third year of studies.
• Completion of eight degree-level prerequisite courses including: cell biology; biochemistry; genetics; statistics; two biological sciences; and two humanities and/or social sciences.
• Experience with veterinarians and animals
• Submission of a Background Information Form
• Letters of Reference (two must be from veterinarians who have supervised you while obtaining veterinary experience).
• Casper test (CSP-10201- Canadian Professional Health Sciences), completed through Altus Assessments.
• An interview.
• Canadian applicants, including dual citizens, must be residents of Ontario in order to apply to the DVM program at the OVC. A ‘resident’ is someone who has resided in Ontario for 12 months, exclusive of time spent in a post-secondary institution.

For detailed information on the academic and non-academic requirements needed, please visit the Ontario Veterinary College website.

Career Choices of Veterinarians in Canada:

Clinical Careers (75%)

• Companion Animal (45%)
• Mixed Animal (21%)
• Large Animal (9%)

Non-Clinical Careers (25%)

• Government (10%)
• Industry (6%)
• Research, Teaching and Academia (5%)
• Other (4%)

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I apply to DVM?

Before applying to the DVM program, you must complete two years of a full-time undergraduate degree and eight prerequisite courses. You can then submit an application to the DVM program as early as your third year of studies. Note: For DVM application purposes, “full-time” is a minimum of 5 one-semester courses (2.5/15.0 credit hours per semester).

What courses should I take in high school?

You should take courses that provide you with the admission requirements for your program of interest.  You can pursue any degree program so long as it allows you to complete the prerequisites you need to apply to the DVM program.  If you’re interested in pursuing a science program, you should take high school Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Advanced Functions or Calculus at the University level.

How do I get veterinary experience?

The best way to know if becoming a veterinarian is for you is to gain first-hand experience. You can get this through job shadowing, working or volunteering with veterinarians – you can obtain real insight into the profession by doing so. To find a listing of licensed veterinarians and clinics in Ontario, go to the College of Veterinarians of Ontario. If you own an animal, start with your own veterinarian. You can also contact local stables, animal shelters, zoos and food animal producers to see if they offer volunteer/work positions.

While in university, check if your school has a laboratory animal facility there, and if so, connect with the veterinarian in charge. You can also participate in research with a veterinarian in academia or job shadow one of the many veterinarians working in the government or industry sectors.

How can I gain experience with animals?

Being comfortable with a number of species can be achieved by gaining experience with a variety of animals. Work with livestock, equestrian activities and any other animal-related hobby or experience where a veterinarian is not always present. Contact local stables, animal shelters, zoos, and food animal producers to see if they offer volunteer/work positions. Animal experience does not include pet ownership.

Which university should I attend for my undergraduate studies?

If you’ve attended an accredited university or college and completed the minimum admission requirements you can apply to the DVM program. If you are completing your undergraduate degree at another institution, you can contact the Admission Services at admdvm@uoguelph.ca to ensure the courses you select meet the prerequisite requirements.

For more frequently asked questions, please visit the OVC Frequently Asked Questions page.

For more information about the DVM program, or to organize a tour, please email vetmed@uoguelph.ca.

Degree Programs List

• Bachelor of Applied Science
• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Arts and Sciences
• Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Computing
• Bachelor of Engineering
• Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice
• Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
• Bachelor of One Health
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine(current page)

The College of Veterinarians of Ontario regulates the delivery of veterinary medicine in Ontario. All veterinarians who practise in Ontario must be licensed by the College.

In serving the public interest, the College seeks to understand the risks involved in the practice of veterinary medicine and collaborates with partners to develop solutions which reduce the potential for harm to animals and people.

The College:

• Issues licences to qualified individuals
• Sets standards to improve the quality and safety of veterinary care
• Inspects and accredits veterinary facilities to assure a safe, professional environment
• Investigates and resolves concerns about a veterinarian and their practice
• Administers quality practice programs to promote ongoing improvement and growth

The College licenses more than 5,000 veterinarians and accredits over 2,300 veterinary facilities in Ontario. The role and authority of the College is set out in the Veterinarians Act and regulations made under this legislation.

The veterinary profession in