Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Healthcare
Veterinarian Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for veterinarian in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Veterinarian in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
The branch of medicine which deals with the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, administration, prescription, operation or manipulation or application of any apparatus of appliance for any disease, pain, deformity, defect, injury, wound or physical condition of any animal or for the prevention of or the testing for the presence of any disease.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Veterinary Medicine Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$129,510 median (3% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#11 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Veterinarian licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; The branch of medicine which deals with the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, administration, prescription, operation or manipulation or a...).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Veterinary Medicine Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $129,510, Veterinarians in Pennsylvania earn 3% above the national median of $125,510. Pennsylvania ranks #11 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$129,510Hourly estimate
$62.263% above national median
Difference: +$4,000
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationVeterinarian Salary Ranking
#11 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $129,510 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $131,330 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $148,550 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $125,510 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $125,510 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $134,290 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $123,140 | Degree required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 64 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| New Jersey | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-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
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Veterinary Medicine Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177837134
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $58,970 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $87,210 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Veterinarian in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Veterinarians.
What education do you need to become a Veterinarian in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Veterinarian licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Veterinarian salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Veterinarians in Pennsylvania is $129,510. Salaries range from $71,160 (10th percentile) to $212,320 (90th percentile).
How does the Veterinarian salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Veterinarians in Pennsylvania earn 3% above the national median of $125,510, with a state median of $129,510.
How many Veterinarians work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 3,220 Veterinarians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Veterinarian license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Veterinary Medicine Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/VeterinaryMedicine/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Veterinarian license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.