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Verified by LA Board of Healthcare

Veterinarian Licensing in Louisiana

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for veterinarian in Louisiana, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Veterinarian in Louisiana

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    The following are hereby declared to be accepted livestock management practices and shall not require a license:.

  7. 7

     A member of the faculty of a veterinary school performing his regular functions, or a person lecturing, or giving instructions or demonstrations at a veterinary school or in connection with a continuing education course or seminar.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Certified Semen Service Program

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $120,630 median (4% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #29 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Louisiana eligibility requirements for Veterinarian licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals~Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Louisiana

With a median salary of $120,630, Veterinarians in Louisiana earn 4% below the national median of $125,510. Louisiana ranks #29 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,176

Median annual salary

$120,630

Hourly estimate

$58.00
4% below national median

Difference: -$4,880

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$75,490
  • P2525th percentile$97,000
  • P50Median$120,630
  • P7575th percentile$161,780
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $120,630
National: $125,510

Total employment: 890 | Annual openings: N/A

Veterinarian Salary Ranking

#29 of 50 statesfor Veterinarian median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$158,950
#2Washington$155,060
#3New Jersey$148,550
#4West Virginia$134,290
#5Vermont$134,240

Nearby States Comparison

Veterinarian licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Louisiana$120,630Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$100,820Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required21 years
Mississippi$101,300Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Texas$121,220Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Mississippi50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Texas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine

301 Main Street, Suite 1050, Baton Rouge, LA, 70801

Phone: 2253422176

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Veterinarian in Louisiana?

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 exams are required for Veterinarians in Louisiana?

Louisiana lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Veterinarians.

What education do you need to become a Veterinarian in Louisiana?

The board typically expects Degree required for Veterinarian licensure in Louisiana.

What is the typical Veterinarian salary in Louisiana?

The median annual salary for Veterinarians in Louisiana is $120,630.

How does the Veterinarian salary in Louisiana compare to the national average?

Veterinarians in Louisiana earn 4% below the national median of $125,510, with a state median of $120,630.

How many Veterinarians work in Louisiana?

Louisiana employs approximately 890 Veterinarians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Veterinarian license to Louisiana from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Veterinarians in Louisiana?

The licensing agency is Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals / Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine. Review agency details at http://www.lcb.state.la.us/.

How often do you renew a Veterinarian license in Louisiana?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.