Application Fee
$350Verified by CA Board of Healthcare
Veterinarian Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for veterinarian in California, including $350 and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
Renewal al (annuallyLicensing Blueprint for Veterinarian in California
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 3
Fees: Application: $350.
- 4
Examination: Veterinary Law Exam $100.
- 5
Initial License: $500.
- 6
Examination Frequency: The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) - administered during testing windows in November/December and April
- The Veterinary Law Exam (VLE) - Sent by email.
- 7
Exam Locations: Nationwide for State Board
- Take-home Law Exam.
- 8
Experience Requirement: Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.
Exam and processing details
- Veterinary Law Exam $100 Initial License: $500 Frequency: The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) - administered during testing windows in November/December and April
- The Veterinary Law Exam (VLE) - Sent by email. Locations: Nationwide for State Board
- Take-home Law Exam Experience
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $350 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Consumer Affairs • Veterinary Medical Board
- Current Filing Fee
$350
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal al (annually
- Salary Position
$158,950 median (27% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#1 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Veterinarian licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Experience Requirement: Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Veterinary Law Exam $100 Initial License: $500 Frequency: The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) - administered during testing windows in November/December....
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Fees: Application: $350.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Application: $350).
- 7. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Veterinary Medical Board and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al (annually).
Salary Insights in California
With a median salary of $158,950, Veterinarians in California earn 27% above the national median of $125,510. California ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$158,950Hourly estimate
$76.4227% above national median
Difference: +$33,440
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationVeterinarian Salary Ranking
#1 of 50 statesfor Veterinarian median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $158,950 |
| #2 | Washington | $155,060 |
| #3 | New Jersey | $148,550 |
| #4 | West Virginia | $134,290 |
| #5 | Vermont | $134,240 |
Nearby States Comparison
Veterinarian licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $158,950 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Oregon | $102,910 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $121,720 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 5 years |
| Arizona | $132,810 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Consumer Affairs • Veterinary Medical Board
1747 N. Market Blvd., Sacramento, CA, 95834
Phone: 9165155220
Related Careers in California
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $77,640 | Varies by state board | 1-2 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Varies by state board | 1-12 months |
| Athletic Trainer | $74,150 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $123,600 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Veterinarian in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Veterinarian salary in California?
The median annual salary for Veterinarians in California is $158,950.
How does the Veterinarian salary in California compare to the national average?
Veterinarians in California earn 27% above the national median of $125,510, with a state median of $158,950.
How many Veterinarians work in California?
California employs approximately 8,510 Veterinarians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Veterinarian license to California from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Veterinarians in California?
The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Veterinary Medical Board. Review agency details at https://www.vmb.ca.gov/.
How often do you renew a Veterinarian license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al (annually.