The Faculty of Science is pleased to offer a pre-veterinary stream that provides students with an opportunity to meet the course requirements to be eligible to apply to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at the Atlantic Veterinary College. A student can start the pre-vet program in any semester, but it is best if started in September.

The Faculty of Science also offers a series of Pre-Veterinary workshops beginning in September, which provide information on how to apply for the DVM program, and resources available through Career Services such as mock interviews, CV and résumé preparation, and interview skills.

The pre-vet stream is an advising structure that helps guide future applicants to the DVM program and supports progress toward a Bachelor of Science degree. To ensure students are also working toward a degree program, and receiving appropriate advising throughout their studies, pre-vet students will be admitted into the Bachelor of Science with a Major in Biology Life Sciences Specialization.

The pre-vet stream is meant for students who have not yet applied to the DVM program but plan to within the next two years. This stream is not meant for students who are already admitted to the DVM program, or those who have been previously admitted and declined the offer.

Please note: Admission to the DVM program is competitive. Each year many students apply for one of the seats available in the program. Students who enter the pre-veterinary stream are not guaranteed entry into the DVM program. As well, a student’s application to the DVM program is assessed on other criteria besides grades, including residency. Potential DVM applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the veterinary admissions section of the calendar for a complete description of DVM admission requirements.

FAQs for High School Students

 Q: What is veterinary medicine? Is it right for me?

Veterinary medicine is the study and practice of medicine on animals. 

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a veterinarian you should have an interest in science, animals and solving challenging problems. Academics are also a large part of veterinary medicine, as the program is intense and involves a rigorous academic schedule.  Excellent communication and inter-personal skills are also vital.

A student who wishes to become a veterinarian must be willing to work hard at school as well as be active in both animal and non-animal extra-curriculars. 

Q: What courses should I take in high school? 

You should take courses that will prepare and admit you to a university degree program. Most students who wish to apply to veterinary medicine take all the major science subjects such as: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Advanced Functions or Calculus. 

Q: Is veterinary experience and animal care experience important? 

Yes, it is very important!! 

For you to understand the role of veterinarians and animals in the community, as well as understand the job of veterinarians, you must spend some time with them as well as gain exposure to a variety of animals. You should start working or volunteering for a: veterinarian, animal shelter, stable or farm during your high school and university years. You should also keep track of the hours and experiences you have gained at these places and be prepared to elaborate on them when you apply. 

Q: How do I get veterinary experience? 

A useful site is the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO). A list of clinics in your area can be found at this site. If you own a pet start with your own veterinarian. Also be prepared to make plenty of phone calls to local stables, animal shelters, zoos and food animal producers to see if they offer volunteer/work positions as well. 

Q: What undergraduate university should I attend? 

Choosing a university is one of the most important choices you make in your academic career. Take the time to research your options and find one that suits your needs and personality. Choosing a university that is right for you will likely result in academic success. 

To apply to the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), Cnadians must have established 12 months of residency in Ontario by December 31st of the year prior to your applicaton. It’s also important to note that the OVC admissions committee does not give preference to University of Guelph students for admission into the Veterinary Medicine program. 

Q: What should I study in university? 

Any program/majors are acceptable as long as a full course load (5 courses, 2.5 credits, or 15 credit hours) is taken and the required prerequisites are met at an acceptable course level. More information about requirements can be found here. Most students who apply to veterinary medicine are usually in a science related program. It is not necessary to take a ‘pre-veterinary’ program.

Q: How long is the veterinary medicine program? 

The veterinary medicine program is a 4-year program, and is obtained on campus at the University of Guelph. You cannot take the degree part-time, with distance education or on-line. 

Q: After completing veterinary school, what kind of jobs can I get? 

Most veterinary graduates go into private practice focusing on either small animal (dog and cat) or large animal (horse, cattle, etc.). Other opportunities come from working in ‘public’ practice, which includes: public health, food safety and animal disease control. A number of veterinarians enter the world of research. 

It honestly does not matter what kind of animal you want to work with—veterinarians get to work with all of them!

Say, for example, you’ve always been curious about the strange world that lives under the sea. You want to know what makes the giant squid so giant, and the jumbo shrimp so… shrimpy. Or maybe you’re more interested in the land-dwelling animals. You want to know how elephants can become so large and yet have such tiny babies, or why horses are able to endear themselves so completely to humans. And let’s say you have a soft spot for smaller animals like cats and dogs, who sometimes seem more aware than humans do.

Well, if you decide to become a veterinarian, you could find yourself working in any of these environments! A veterinarian helps maintain the health of all kinds of animals big and small. There is also the option to work in private industry for companies involved in pharmaceuticals or animal nutrition. Other possible career areas include wildlife conservation, zoo animal care, research, food animal management and aquatic management. There are an endless number of career opportunities for those that decide to become a veterinarian.

Q: Can I visit the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)? 

Absolutely! We offer opportunities to tour the campus throughout the year. Please See http://www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/recruitment/en/experienceovc/mapdirections.asp for further information. Please note that visitors to the OVC must be on a guided tour with a trained guide. The facilities house a teaching hospital with patients so visitors are not allowed to enter restricted areas.