The Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island will expand its veterinary program in 2027. The school will admit 25 additional students, increasing class size from 70 to 95.

According to the Charlottetown Guardian, all 25 new seats will be unsubsidized. The college currently offers 54 provincially funded seats. Prince Edward Island funds 11 seats, Nova Scotia 24, New Brunswick 13, and Newfoundland and Labrador six. Students in funded seats pay about $16,000 per year in tuition. Students in unsubsidized seats pay about $85,000 annually.

The expansion aims to help address Canada’s growing shortage of veterinarians. Kathleen MacMillan, president-elect of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, told CBC that a 2025 estimate found Canada needs 4,000 more veterinarians.

Canada is expected to face a shortage of veterinary labour through at least 2031. The country is projected to have about 5,000 job openings, but only 4,300 qualified job seekers. The shortage has increased appointment wait times and added pressure on veterinary teams. There are also concerns about access to care for companion animals and livestock.