Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Healthcare
Veterinarian Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for veterinarian in Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Veterinarian in Virginia
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Register with licensing agency
- Education: Varies by state board
- Examination: No exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health Professions • Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$124,110 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#21 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of 124,110, Veterinarians in Virginia earn 1% below the national median of $125,510. Virginia ranks #21 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$124,110Hourly estimate
$59.671% below national median
Difference: -$1,400
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationVeterinarian Salary Ranking
#21 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $124,110 | Varies by state board | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Maryland | $125,510 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $134,290 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $98,210 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $125,420 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| North Carolina | $123,430 | Varies by state board | No exam required | 6-24 months |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | 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. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Department of Health Professions • Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23233-1485
Phone: 8045974133
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $85,590 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $94,140 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $60,720 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $46,910 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Veterinarian in Virginia?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Veterinarians in Virginia?
Virginia lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Veterinarians.
What is the typical Veterinarian salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Veterinarians in Virginia is 124,110. Salaries range from $55,870 (10th percentile) to $195,620 (90th percentile).
How does the Veterinarian salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Veterinarians in Virginia earn 1% below the national median of $125,510, with a state median of 124,110.
How many Veterinarians work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 2,560 Veterinarians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Veterinarian license to Virginia from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Veterinarians in Virginia?
The licensing agency is Department of Health Professions / Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine. Review agency details at https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/VetMed/.