What is a Small Animal Vet?

A small animal vet is a veterinary professional who specialises in caring for pets and companion animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and other household pets. Their work involves diagnosing and treating illnesses, performing surgeries, giving vaccinations, advising pet owners on animal welfare, and ensuring pets live long, healthy lives. Unlike large animal vets, who focus on livestock or horses, small animal vets mainly work in clinics or veterinary hospitals where they provide hands-on medical care to pets.

Small Animal Vets in the UK: Salary, Work Life Balance & Benefits

In the UK, small animal vets are in high demand due to the growing number of pet owners and increasing standards of animal healthcare. The average salary for a small animal vet typically ranges from £35,000 to £55,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and type of practice. Senior or specialist vets can earn upwards of £70,000 annually.

Work life balance can vary depending on the practice. Many vets work full time with occasional weekend or on-call duties, though some clinics offer flexible hours or part time roles. The profession can be demanding, but it’s also rewarding, offering daily opportunities to make a meaningful difference to pets and their owners. Common benefits include paid professional memberships, continuous professional development (CPD) funding, pension contributions, private healthcare, and discounted pet treatments.

Finding a Small Animal Vet Job in the UK

If you’re looking for a small animal vet role in the UK, there are two main routes to consider:

• • Recruitment Agencies: Veterinary recruitment specialists such as MedMatch Vets connect qualified vets with practices seeking permanent or locum professionals. They offer tailored support, CV guidance, and access to exclusive job opportunities across the UK.
  • Job Boards: You can also search for small animal vet roles directly through platforms like Work.Healthcare, which lists veterinary jobs from trusted employers and agencies nationwide.

Whether you’re newly qualified or an experienced practitioner, exploring both options can help you find a role that suits your skills, career goals, and lifestyle preferences.

Ready to find your next small animal vet role? Start your search today with MedMatch Vets.