LicenseCompass

Veterinarian License in Idaho

Quick Answer

To become a licensed veterinarian in Idaho, earn a DVM from an AVMA-accredited school and pass the NAVLE. Idaho participates in the WIMU regional veterinary program through Washington State University. The state's large dairy and cattle industries, plus its leading trout aquaculture sector, drive demand for food-animal practitioners.

Exam
NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Examination)
Timeline
4-8 years (veterinary school) + 3-6 months (licensing)
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every Annual

Requirements

Veterinarian license in Idaho

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
Background check required
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Licensing Agency

Idaho State Board of Veterinary Medicine

Veterinarian Salary in Idaho

Entry Level

$80,800

Median

$106,080

Experienced

$166,600

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Veterinarian in Idaho.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    Background check required

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Examination)

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 4-8 years (veterinary school) + 3-6 months (licensing).

Veterinarian Licensing in Idaho: What to Know

Idaho requires a DVM degree from an AVMA-accredited school and passage of the NAVLE for veterinary licensure. The Idaho State Board of Veterinary Medicine oversees the profession. Idaho does not have its own veterinary school; instead, the state participates in the Washington-Idaho-Montana-Utah Regional Program in Veterinary Medicine (WIMU) through Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, providing Idaho residents preferential access and in-state tuition rates at the Pullman campus. Idaho's rapidly growing dairy industry (the state ranks third nationally in milk production) drives strong demand for food-animal veterinarians, particularly in the Magic Valley region around Twin Falls where large concentrated dairy operations dominate the landscape. The state's extensive cattle ranching, sheep operations, and significant aquaculture industry (Idaho is the top commercial trout-producing state in the nation) further diversify veterinary practice opportunities and create demand for specialists in aquatic animal health. Idaho's rural landscape and rapid population growth in the Boise metropolitan area create both large-animal and companion-animal career paths, though rural communities continue to face workforce shortages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Veterinarian license in Idaho?
The process typically takes 4-8 years (veterinary school) + 3-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Veterinarian license in Idaho?
You need to pass the NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Examination). Third-party exam required

Considering another state?

Compare Veterinarian requirements across states.

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.