Doctor Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Chart Your Path at OVC
The Ontario Veterinary College is educating the next generation of health leaders. Since 1862, OVC has excelled in teaching the art of veterinary medicine and developing the very best for our University of Guelph students and graduates.
In the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, students have diverse opportunities for hands-on experiential learning and interdisciplinary training. DVM students train in OVC's on-site Health Sciences Centre, which includes facilities for companion animals, large animals, cancer care, fitness and rehabilitation and a ruminant field service.
OVC student veterinarians graduate equipped with the skills needed to tackle complex problems and improve life for animals, humans and the environment.
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Admission Requirements
Application Cohorts
Applicants can apply to the DVM Program through one of four cohorts: Domestic Undergraduate, Northern Ontario Undergraduate, Domestic Graduate, and International. You may only select one cohort option per admissions cycle when applying to the DVM program.
Domestic Undergraduate Cohort
Canadian citizens (including dual citizens) and those with permanent residency or protected person status must be residents of Ontario (minimum 12 consecutive months, excluding time spent enrolled in post-secondary school) in order to apply to the Domestic Undergraduate Cohort for the DVM program at OVC.
Northern Ontario Undergraduate Cohort
Canadian citizens (including dual citizens) and those with permanent residency or protected person status must be residents of Northern Ontario (minimum 12 consecutive months, excluding time spent enrolled in post-secondary school) in order to apply to the Northern Ontario Undergraduate Cohort for the DVM program at OVC.
Domestic Graduate Cohort
Canadian citizens (including dual citizens) and those with permanent residency or protected person status must be residents of Ontario (minimum 12 consecutive months, excluding time spent enrolled in post-secondary school) and must have completed a graduate degree or must be currently enrolled in a graduate program in order to apply to the Domestic Graduate Cohort for the DVM program at OVC.
International Cohort
International students, including US students, should apply through the International Cohort
Events and Webinars Available Now
International Webinars
Join our virtual event to explore programs, hear from students and alumni, and get admission answers. Eligible international attendees can receive application fee waivers!
What Can You Do with a Degree in DVM?
DVM graduates have a variety of clinical and non-clinical careers available to pursue. The best way to determine if becoming a veterinarian is your career path is to gain first-hand experience through job shadowing, working or volunteering with veterinarians.
Here are just a few careers our DVM program graduates have successfully pursued:
- 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%)
What You Will Learn
- Veterinary Anatomy
- Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry
- Veterinary Histology and General Pathology
- Art of Veterinary Medicine I
- Developmental Biology
- Health Management I
- Clinical Medicine I
- Art of Veterinary Medicine II
- Health Management II
- Clinical Medicine II
- Principles of Disease in Veterinary Medicine
- Theriogenology
- Anaesthesiology and Pharmacology
- Principles of Surgery
- Art of Veterinary Medicine III
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Equine Medicine and Surgery
- Food Animal Medicine and Surgery
- Medicine and Surgery of Dog and Cat
- Comparative Medicine
- Systems Pathology
- Health Management III
- Surgical Exercises
- Clinical Medicine III
- Small Animal Stream
- Rural Community Practice Stream
- Equine Stream
- Food Animal Stream
- Veterinary Externship
Program Benefits
One Health
OVC is working at the intersections of animal, human and environmental health to find real-world solutions to real-world challenges.
Learn From the Best
The OVC Ranks #1 in Canada, 3rd in North America and 5th in the World, for Veterinary Science. (Source: QS World University Rankings, 2022)
Gain Professional Accreditation
The DVM program is accredited by the Canadian and American Veterinary Medical Associations.
Excel in Veterinary Medicine
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.
Strength of Community
OVC’s vibrant community of faculty, staff and students embodies a spirit of compassion and integrity. With a focus on wellbeing, OVC honours and supports students as human beings with complex needs and diverse experiences.
Building a More Equitable Future
OVC strives to ensure the college fully embraces and reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, and is working toward a more equitable future for veterinary medicine.
Hear From A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Student
Scholarships
In 2021, more than $42.7 million in scholarships was awarded to U of G students. Learn more about applications, requirements and available Scholarships.
Tour Our Campus
Through virtual tours, presentations, webinars and in-person tours, get familiar with U of G campus.
Have Questions?
Learn more about how to connect, discover, and engage with programs, facilities and life at the U of G.
