New program launches to help B.C. livestock veterinarian clinics

Clinics that help B.C. farmers and ranchers care for their animals will have extra sets of skilled hands in their offices through a new program that covers summer placement costs for both veterinary and veterinary technologist students.

The $300,000 pilot program offers up to $6,000 per placement to help with wages and travel costs, and could support the placements of up to 50 students this year.

Eligible veterinary practices must be accredited by the College of Veterinarians of B.C. and offer services for livestock and farm animals that may include cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, bison, and fish. Practices that provide services to clients at any production scale (for example, large-scale, small lot) are eligible to apply.

Eligible students must have completed their first year of studies and be enrolled in an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited veterinary college or an AVMA or Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Animal Health Technology / Veterinary Technician Program.

Dr. Fraser Davidson, president of the Society of B.C. Veterinarians says this is great news for students, for farmers and producers, and of course for the animals.

Food-animal health is a vital component of B.C.’s agriculture programs and of veterinary medicine. This new funding will facilitate students to learn on the job and will help support our hardworking and very busy large animal veterinarians throughout B.C.

Dr. Fraser Davidson

The program is funded by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. Funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis with applications accepted until 4:30 pm (Pacific time) on April 15, 2024, or until the funding has been fully allocated.

If you operate a veterinary practice interested in the program, applications can be sent in here.