Veterinarian License in Washington

Washington requires a DVM degree from an AVMA-accredited school, passage of the NAVLE, and a state jurisprudence examination. The Washington State Veterinary Board of Governors oversees licensure. Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pullman is the state's AVMA-accredited program and serves as the anchor institution for the WIMU (Washington-Idaho-Montana-Utah) regional veterinary education program. WSU is highly regarded for its programs in infectious disease, food-animal production, and equine medicine. Washington's practice landscape is divided by the Cascade Range: the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area in western Washington hosts one of the largest companion-animal and specialty markets on the West Coast, while eastern Washington is dominated by agriculture, including wheat, apples, potatoes, dairy, and beef cattle. The state's Pacific coastline supports aquatic animal health and marine mammal rehabilitation efforts. Joint Base Lewis-McChord south of Tacoma provides military veterinary positions. Washington's progressive animal welfare policies and high pet ownership rates contribute to robust companion-animal demand.