Veterinarian / Pennsylvania
2026 data Pennsylvania board official source

Pennsylvania Veterinarian License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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Provides medical care for animals. Requires DVM degree.

What the Pennsylvania data shows for Veterinarians

Pennsylvania's path to veterinarian licensure runs through 5,135 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Exam), plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Pennsylvania folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)".

Upfront cost is $327, with renewal running $270 on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

On reciprocity, veterinarians should know: NAVLE recognized nationwide — state licensing still required.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
27/100
Veterinarian · Pennsylvania

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
5,135 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$327
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$135/yr
$270 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Pennsylvania

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
5,135 hours
Exam Requirement
NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$327
Renewal Fee
$270
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Veterinarian All Pennsylvania licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Pennsylvania licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Veterinarian in Pennsylvania? ▼
Pennsylvania requires 5135 education/training hours, passing an exam (NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Exam)), and an initial fee of $327. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Veterinarian in Pennsylvania? ▼
To become a licensed veterinarian in Pennsylvania, you must meet the state's requirements including 5135 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Pennsylvania licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Veterinarian license to Pennsylvania from another state? ▼
Veterinarian licenses generally reciprocate as follows: NAVLE recognized nationwide — state licensing still required. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Pennsylvania licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Pennsylvania require a background check for Veterinarian licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for veterinarian licensing in Pennsylvania. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Veterinarian in Pennsylvania? ▼
Pennsylvania ties continued veterinarian licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $270 renewal fee.

Related Guides

What to do with this veterinarian license

Veterinarian in Pennsylvania, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a veterinarian-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Pennsylvania's veterinarian requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Veterinarian in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state veterinarian license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Pennsylvania's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Pennsylvania overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Pennsylvania licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.