Are Veterinarians in Demand in the UK?

The demand for veterinarians in the UK has grown significantly over recent years. With more households owning pets, increased awareness around animal health, and the expansion of farm and equine veterinary services, practices across the country are looking for skilled veterinary professionals. This has created excellent opportunities for both newly qualified vets and experienced practitioners who are considering a new career move.

Reasons for High Demand

There are several reasons why veterinary professionals are in high demand in the UK. Pet ownership has reached record levels, meaning practices require more vets to manage the caseload. At the same time, many rural and farm practices face shortages as fewer vets specialise in large animal care. The pandemic also led to a backlog of appointments, putting additional pressure on practices. Retention challenges in the profession, such as long working hours and high stress, have further contributed to shortages, creating an urgent need for more veterinarians nationwide.

Positions that are in Demand

Veterinary surgeons are particularly in demand, especially those with experience in small animal, mixed practice, and farm animal care. Newly qualified vets are sought after by companion animal practices, while more experienced vets are needed for leadership and senior roles. Locum veterinarians are also increasingly required as practices seek temporary cover to cope with workload demands. Veterinary nurses and support staff also remain vital, with practices looking for team members who can provide excellent clinical and client support.

Read Top 5 Veterinary Jobs in The UK

Locations that are in Demand

The demand for vets is spread across the UK, with rural areas experiencing the highest need. Practices in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of northern England are particularly affected by shortages, especially in farm and equine care. However, urban areas such as London, Birmingham and Manchester also report high demand due to the rising number of pet owners. This means that opportunities for veterinary professionals are available nationwide, whether you prefer city living or working in the countryside.

Challenges within the Veterinary Profession

Despite the high demand, the veterinary profession faces challenges. Workload pressures, long working hours and the emotional demands of the role can lead to burnout. Practices often struggle to balance patient care with business needs, and recruitment difficulties can put strain on existing teams. However, these challenges also highlight the importance of attracting new talent into the profession and ensuring that vets are supported with career development and wellbeing initiatives.

Apply for Veterinary Jobs with MedMatch Vets

If you are a veterinary professional looking for your next opportunity, MedMatch Vets can help. We work with practices across the UK to connect vets with permanent and locum positions that suit their skills and lifestyle. Whether you are newly qualified or an experienced professional, we can help you find the right role. To apply for veterinary jobs, send your CV to info@medmatchvets.co.uk.