Atlantic Veterinary College boosts Canadian veterinary seats amid workforce shortages

The University of Prince Edward Island’s Atlantic Veterinary College will increase its veterinary intake by 25 seats in 2027, addressing staffing gaps and aiming to retain more graduates locally amidst a national shortage of veterinarians.

Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island will enlarge its veterinary intake in 2027, adding 25 places and taking its annual class from 70 to 95. According to the college and local reporting, the extra places will be unsubsidised, extending access beyond the provincially funded seats that currently keep tuition far below the full-cost rate.

The school’s move comes as Canadian veterinary groups warn of a persistent workforce gap. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association has said the country needs thousands more veterinarians, while labour projections indicate shortages could last until at least 2031. The pressure is already being felt in longer appointment waits, heavier workloads and growing concern about access to care for both pets and livestock.

UPEI said earlier this year that it was reclassifying 19 international seats as unsubsidised to create more room for Canadian students and support the long-term sustainability of the doctor of veterinary medicine programme. In Atlantic Canada, officials say the aim is also to keep more graduates in the region, where the shortage is being felt most acutely.

Image Source: UPEI