Program Overview

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program

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.

Program Overview

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.

Admission Requirements

Application Cohorts

Applicants can apply to the DVM Program through one of four cohorts:

• Domestic Undergraduate
• Northern Ontario Undergraduate
• Domestic Graduate
• International

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.

Career Opportunities

DVM graduates have a variety of clinical and non-clinical careers available to pursue. Some of these careers include:

• 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%)

Program Curriculum

The DVM program curriculum includes:

• YEAR 1
• YEAR 2
• YEAR 3
• YEAR 4 Some of the courses offered include:
• 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.

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.