Veterinary experience
Veterinary experience may be voluntary or paid, but must be done with a supervising veterinarian in placements such as clinical practice, research laboratories, animal shelters, animal rehabilitation facilities, public health settings or another related industry where a veterinarian is employed.
Although there are no required number of hours needed for application, it is strongly advised that applicants log as many hours as possible. Try working with different species, too, such as swine, cows, horses, exotics, dogs, cats, etc.
Animal experience
Animal experience includes working with livestock, breeding/showing various species, working in a pet store, equestrian activities and any other animal related hobby/experience where a veterinarian is not always present, or does not supervise you. Animal experience does not include pet ownership.
Extracurricular experience
So much of veterinary medicine involves working with people and as part of a team. Jobs and volunteer activities that hone your communication, interpersonal and organizational skills are important.
Referee assessments
Three confidential referee assessments comprised of an evaluative grid (which is part of the on-line Background Information Form) and a letter are required for each DVM applicant.
The referees have to be qualified to give an unbiased, informed and critical assessment of the applicant. Two of the three referees selected must be veterinarians with whom he or she has obtained veterinary and/or animal experience. There is a strong preference for veterinarians from different clinics or workplaces. The goal of having the veterinary references is to have those within the profession assess whether your are a suitable candidate to join that profession, therefore it is important that the referees understand what is required of veterinarians in a Canadian context.
None of your references should be from family members or friends. Your referees should be individuals who know you in a supervisory or professional context and are able to assess you objectively.
Graduate students will require an additional letter of reference, for a total of four referee assessments. Two letters of reference from veterinarians should assess the applicant's skills and knowledge of veterinary medicine and the other two letters of reference should be from persons familiar with the applicant's performance as a graduate student.
The Application Process
FOR CANADIANS:
The application process for Canadian applicants, including those with dual citizenship, to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program depends on which school the candidate attended for undergraduate studies.
DUE JANUARY 1:
Upon receipt of these application materials candidates will receive a University of Guelph email account and access to our WebAdvisor notification system.
DUE MARCH 1:
- Background Information Form (BIF)
- Referee Assessments
- Transcripts
- Additional Information Form for Graduate Cohort Applicants (for those applying as part of the graduate cohort)
FOR U.S. AND INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
Non-Canadian applicants who have fulfilled the academic requirements for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph should apply using the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). Please visit the VMCAS website for more information:
Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) Toll Free: 1-877-862-2740
Your VMCAS application must be postmarked no later than October 1st. If you are applying through VMCAS, your transcripts, GRE scores and the supplemental application form must be submitted separately.
If you are an international student already attending the University of Guelph please apply using the Application for Internal Transfer/Readmission Form.
Alternatively, if VMCAS is not accessible for you please apply directly to the University of Guelph using the application form. Information is gathered through the Background Information Form (BIF), References, Transcript and GRE scores.
Documents should be submitted to:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program
Admission Services UC L3
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1
Canada
If you have questions about the application procedure or a current application in progress, please contact: Deanna Lundmark, Admission Services - 519-824-4120 Ext. 56060.
