How to Become a Veterinarian in 2026: Complete Licensing Guide

Veterinarians are doctors who diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and injuries in animals. Becoming a licensed veterinarian requires years of rigorous education, passing standardized licensing exams, and satisfying state-specific requirements. Every state and the District of Columbia requires a license to practice veterinary medicine, but the details vary across the 51 jurisdictions we track. Of those, 51 require the NAVLE, 39 require a jurisprudence exam, and 2 allow a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) to be established via telemedicine.

This guide covers everything you need to know about becoming a licensed veterinarian in 2026 -- from earning your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or VMD degree through passing the NAVLE, navigating state jurisprudence exams, understanding VCPR and telemedicine rules, and maintaining your license with continuing education.

What Does a Veterinarian Do?

Veterinarians are medical professionals responsible for the health and welfare of animals. Their work spans a wide range of species and settings, from companion animals like dogs and cats to livestock, horses, exotic animals, and wildlife. The scope of veterinary practice includes:

• Diagnosis and treatment: Examining animals, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests (bloodwork, imaging, biopsies), and developing treatment plans for illnesses and injuries.
• Surgery: Performing surgical procedures ranging from routine spays and neuters to complex orthopedic, soft tissue, and emergency surgeries.
• Preventive care: Administering vaccinations, conducting wellness exams, prescribing parasite prevention, and advising on nutrition and husbandry.
• Dentistry: Dental cleanings, extractions, oral surgery, and management of periodontal disease in animals.
• Emergency and critical care: Stabilizing and treating animals in life-threatening situations, including trauma, toxicosis, and acute organ failure.
• Prescribing medications: Writing prescriptions for pharmaceuticals including controlled substances (with DEA registration), compounded medications, and biologics.
• Public health: Monitoring zoonotic diseases, ensuring food safety in livestock, and participating in disease surveillance and outbreak response.
• Euthanasia: Humanely ending the life of animals when medically indicated, following AVMA guidelines and state practice act requirements.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for veterinarians is approximately $119,000, with specialists in surgery, internal medicine, and emergency care earning well over $150,000. The profession is projected to grow 19% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the national average for all occupations.

Step 1: Earn a DVM or VMD Degree from an AVMA-Accredited School

The foundation of a veterinary career is the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, awarded by colleges accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE). There are currently 33 AVMA-accredited veterinary schools in the United States, plus several internationally accredited programs. The University of Pennsylvania awards the Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris (VMD) -- which is legally equivalent to the DVM and recognized for licensure in all states.

Admission to veterinary school is highly competitive. Most programs accept only 100-150 students per class, and GPA requirements are typically 3.5 or higher. The GRE is required by many programs, and substantial veterinary and animal experience is expected. The Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) is used by most schools for centralized applications, with deadlines typically in September for enrollment the following fall.

Some universities offer combined BS/DVM programs that allow qualified students to complete both degrees in 6-7 years rather than the standard 8. These programs are highly selective and require a strong academic foundation before admission.

Step 2: Pass the NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Examination)

The NAVLE is the standardized licensing examination required by 51 of 51 states for veterinary licensure. Administered by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA), the NAVLE tests clinical competency across all major species and disciplines. It is the primary measure used by state boards to assess whether a veterinary graduate is ready to practice.

Most veterinary students take the NAVLE during their final year of vet school, typically in the November-December window. Passing the NAVLE is a prerequisite for licensure in virtually every state, and your NAVLE score report can typically be transferred between states through the AAVSB Veterinary License State Registry (VLSR) when seeking licensure by endorsement in additional states.

Preparation for the NAVLE typically involves using NAVLE review materials from the ICVA, third-party question banks, and clinical review courses offered by veterinary schools. Most candidates begin dedicated study 6-12 weeks before the exam.

Step 3: Pass the State Jurisprudence Exam

In addition to the NAVLE, 39 of 51 states require a separate state jurisprudence examination. This exam tests your knowledge of state-specific veterinary practice laws, regulations, and professional standards. The content varies by state but generally covers:

• State veterinary practice act: The primary statute governing who may practice veterinary medicine, the definition of practice, and the scope of authority granted by a veterinary license.
• Controlled substance regulations: State rules on prescribing, dispensing, storing, and recording controlled substances, including any state-level scheduling differences from federal law.
• VCPR requirements: How the state defines a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship and what is required to establish and maintain it.
• Mandatory reporting: Requirements to report animal abuse, zoonotic disease outbreaks, and other regulated events.
• Disciplinary procedures: How complaints are filed, investigated, and resolved by the state veterinary board.
• Euthanasia regulations: State-specific rules on approved methods, agent usage, and documentation.

The following 39 states require a jurisprudence exam as part of the veterinary licensing process:

Most jurisprudence exams are open-book or take-home assessments focused on the state practice act and administrative rules. Some states use a proctored online exam. Fees typically range from $50 to $200. States that do not require a standalone jurisprudence exam may include state-specific questions within their application review or require completion of a jurisprudence module through the state board's online system.

Telemedicine and the Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR)

The VCPR is a foundational concept in veterinary practice. Before a veterinarian can diagnose, treat, or prescribe medications for an animal, a valid VCPR must be established. This typically requires the veterinarian to have sufficient knowledge of the animal to make preliminary diagnoses (usually through a physical examination), the client to agree to follow the veterinarian's instructions, and the veterinarian to be available for follow-up care.

The rise of veterinary telemedicine has introduced significant variation in how states handle VCPR establishment. 2 of 51 states currently allow a VCPR to be established via telemedicine (video consultation) without a prior in-person examination.

The following states currently allow telemedicine VCPR establishment:

The regulatory landscape for veterinary telemedicine is evolving rapidly. Many states updated their rules following the expanded use of telehealth during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Always verify current telemedicine VCPR rules with your state veterinary board before launching a telehealth service.

State-by-State Veterinary Licensing Requirements

The table below summarizes key licensing requirements across all 51 states we track. Click any state for the full breakdown of requirements, fees, renewal processes, and board contact information.

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

Veterinary licenses must be renewed periodically, and all states require continuing education (CE) to maintain licensure. CE ensures that veterinarians stay current with advances in medicine, pharmacology, technology, and regulatory requirements. Across the states we track, the average CE requirement is 25.8 hours per renewal cycle, though individual states range widely.

• CE hours: Most states require 15-30 hours per year or 30-40 hours per two-year renewal cycle. Some states have no mandatory CE hours but require attestation of professional development.
• Renewal periods: Most states renew licenses annually or biennially. Some states use a three-year cycle.
• Required topic areas: Some states mandate CE in specific areas such as controlled substance management, veterinary ethics, pain management, opioid awareness, or animal welfare.
• Approved providers: CE must typically be from AVMA-approved or RACE-approved (Registry of Approved Continuing Education) providers. State boards may also approve their own list of acceptable providers and formats.
• Delivery formats: In-person conferences, webinars, online courses, journal-based CE, and state veterinary medical association meetings are commonly accepted. Some states cap the percentage of CE that can be completed online.
• Record-keeping: Keep certificates of completion for all CE activities. Most state boards require you to maintain CE records for 3-5 years and may audit compliance.
• Consequences of lapsing: Practicing on an expired license is a violation. Most states allow late renewal with a penalty fee; extended lapses may require re-examination or additional CE.

The AVMA, state veterinary medical associations, veterinary schools, and organizations such as the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) offer extensive CE programming that meets the requirements of most states.

Step 4: Apply for Your State Veterinary License

After completing your DVM or VMD degree, passing the NAVLE, and satisfying any required state exams, you can apply for your state veterinary license. The application process typically includes:

1. Complete the state board's license application online or by paper submission
2. Submit official transcripts from your AVMA-accredited veterinary school confirming degree conferral
3. Provide NAVLE score verification through the ICVA or the AAVSB VLSR
4. Pass the state jurisprudence exam (if required by your state)
5. Submit to a criminal background check (fingerprinting may be required)
6. Provide proof of professional liability insurance (required in some states)
7. Pay the application and initial licensing fees
8. Register with the DEA for controlled substance prescribing authority (separate federal application if you will handle controlled substances)
9. Obtain a state controlled substance license if required separately by your state
10. Receive your veterinary license number and begin practice

Processing times range from 2-8 weeks depending on the state. Some states offer temporary or provisional licenses allowing you to begin practice while your full application is under review. Average total initial fees across all states are approximately $253.

DEA Registration and Controlled Substance Prescribing

Veterinarians who prescribe, administer, or dispense controlled substances must register with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This is a federal requirement separate from your state veterinary license. Key points:

• DEA registration: Apply through the DEA Diversion Control Division online system. Registration is specific to a practice address and must be renewed every 3 years. The current fee is $888 for a three-year registration.
• State controlled substance license: 51 states require a separate state-level controlled substance registration in addition to the federal DEA number.
• Record-keeping: Veterinarians must maintain detailed records of all controlled substance transactions, including inventory counts, administration logs, and disposal records.
• Common veterinary controlled substances: Ketamine (Schedule III), butorphanol (Schedule IV), tramadol (Schedule IV in most states), phenobarbital (Schedule IV), and sodium pentobarbital euthanasia solution (Schedule II).
• Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs): Some states now require veterinarians to check the PDMP before prescribing certain controlled substances to prevent diversion.

Licensure by Endorsement and Multi-State Practice

If you want to practice veterinary medicine in more than one state, you have several options for obtaining additional licenses:

• Licensure by endorsement: Most states offer licensure by endorsement for veterinarians already licensed in another state. You typically need to provide proof of your NAVLE score, current license in good standing, and may need to pass the new state's jurisprudence exam.
• AAVSB VLSR: The American Association of Veterinary State Boards offers the Veterinary License State Registry, which streamlines the multi-state application process by maintaining your credentials in a centralized, verified database.
• Interstate compacts: Veterinary medicine interstate compact agreements are expanding veterinary practice across state lines, particularly for emergency response and telemedicine services. Check your state board for current compact participation.

Career Paths and Specialization

After earning your license, you can practice general veterinary medicine or pursue board certification in one of over 40 AVMA-recognized specialties through additional residency training:

• Small animal practice: The most common career path, working in private clinics or corporate veterinary groups treating dogs, cats, and other companion animals.
• Large animal / food animal: Working with cattle, swine, poultry, and other livestock -- critical for agriculture and food safety.
• Equine practice: Specializing in horses for sport, racing, breeding, and general care.
• Emergency and critical care: Working in 24/7 emergency hospitals, often requiring residency training and board certification (DACVECC).
• Veterinary surgery: Board-certified surgeons (DACVS) perform complex procedures and typically work in referral hospitals.
• Public health and regulatory: Working with the USDA, FDA, CDC, or state agencies on disease surveillance, food inspection, and policy.
• Research and academia: Conducting biomedical research or teaching at veterinary schools.

Board certification requires completing a residency program (typically 3-4 years post-DVM) and passing specialty board examinations. Specialists generally command higher salaries, with surgeons, internal medicine specialists, and radiologists among the highest earners in the profession.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a veterinarian?

The typical timeline is 8 years after high school: 4 years of undergraduate education (completing pre-veterinary requirements and earning a bachelor's degree) followed by 4 years of veterinary school to earn your DVM or VMD. Some students complete pre-veterinary requirements in 3 years, and combined BS/DVM programs can shorten the total to 6-7 years. After graduating, passing the NAVLE and obtaining your state license adds a few weeks to a few months. If you pursue board certification in a specialty, add 3-5 years for an internship and residency.

How much does it cost to become a veterinarian?

Total costs vary significantly based on whether you attend public or private institutions and whether you qualify for in-state tuition. Undergraduate education typically runs $40,000-$160,000 over four years, followed by veterinary school at $200,000-$300,000 over four years (tuition and living expenses). Add the NAVLE exam fee ($670-$710) and state licensing fees (averaging $253). Total educational debt for new graduates averages approximately $180,000 for public school graduates and over $250,000 for private school graduates. Federal and institutional loan forgiveness programs are available for veterinarians who practice in underserved rural and food animal medicine areas.

What is the NAVLE pass rate?

The first-time pass rate for graduates of AVMA-accredited veterinary schools in the United States is typically 93-97%. Internationally educated graduates have lower first-time pass rates, generally in the 75-85% range. If you do not pass on your first attempt, most states allow retakes; the number of permitted attempts and any waiting periods vary by state. Some states cap attempts at 3-5 before requiring additional remedial education or a board hearing.

Can I practice veterinary medicine via telemedicine?

This depends entirely on your state. 2 of 51 states currently allow a VCPR to be established via telemedicine. In states that require an in-person VCPR, you can still use telemedicine for follow-up consultations with patients you have already examined in person. The regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly -- check the table above or your specific state page for current rules before launching a telehealth practice.

Do I need DEA registration to practice as a veterinarian?

If you will prescribe, administer, or dispense any controlled substances -- which includes nearly all practicing veterinarians -- yes. DEA registration is a federal requirement separate from your state veterinary license. You register through the DEA's online system and pay the current fee of $888 for a three-year registration tied to your practice address. Additionally, 51 states require a separate state-level controlled substance registration. Veterinarians in roles that do not involve controlled substances (some regulatory or research positions) may not need DEA registration.

Can I transfer my veterinary license to another state?

You cannot directly transfer a veterinary license, but most states offer licensure by endorsement for veterinarians already licensed elsewhere. This typically requires submitting your NAVLE score, proof of your current license in good standing, passing any required state jurisprudence exam, and paying the application fees. The AAVSB Veterinary License State Registry (VLSR) can simplify this process by centralizing your credentials. Processing times for endorsement applications generally range from 2-8 weeks.

What is the difference between a DVM and a VMD?

Both degrees are functionally equivalent. The DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) is awarded by 32 of the 33 AVMA-accredited U.S. veterinary schools. The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine historically awarded the VMD (Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris) -- the same Latin tradition as the MD. Both degrees require identical training and are recognized for licensure purposes by all state veterinary boards.

Sources

Requirements, fees, and licensing data are sourced from official state veterinary boards, the AVMA, and the AAVSB.

• Individual state board of veterinary medicine websites (cited on each state page).
• American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) -- NAVLE administration, Veterinary License State Registry (VLSR), and state licensing data. aavsb.org
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) -- accreditation standards, euthanasia guidelines, specialty board information, and professional resources. avma.org
• International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA) -- NAVLE exam content, scoring, eligibility requirements, and testing windows. icva.net
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) -- controlled substance registration requirements, scheduling, and diversion control. dea.gov/diversion
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook -- Veterinarians: employment projections and wage data.

Data was last verified in February 2026. Requirements can change as states update their regulations. Always confirm current requirements with your state's board of veterinary medicine before beginning the licensing process.