Veterinarian License in Connecticut

Connecticut requires a DVM degree from an AVMA-accredited school and passage of both the NAVLE and state-specific examinations. The Connecticut Department of Public Health, through its Medical Examining Board, oversees veterinary licensure. Connecticut has no in-state veterinary school, so practitioners typically graduate from programs in surrounding New England states or beyond, with many attending Cornell University, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, or the University of Pennsylvania. The state's practice environment is predominantly companion-animal focused, reflecting its suburban and urban demographics in the New York City and Hartford metropolitan areas. Connecticut's equine industry, centered around polo clubs and show-jumping facilities in Fairfield County and the Litchfield Hills, supports a niche large-animal practice community. The state's relatively small size and high population density result in strong competition among veterinary practices, though demand for emergency and specialty veterinary services continues to grow throughout the region. Connecticut's proximity to the pharmaceutical industry corridor also provides opportunities for veterinary professionals in clinical research and drug development roles.