What’s a Locum Veterinary Surgeon? Role, Salary & UK Jobs Guide

Thinking about working as a locum veterinary surgeon in the UK? This guide explains what a locum vet is, what they do, the benefits (including pay and hours), recent trends in locum roles, how to qualify as a veterinary surgeon in the UK and how to apply with MedMatch Vets.

What is a locum veterinary surgeon?

A locum veterinary surgeon is a qualified vet who works on a temporary or short-term basis covering gaps in a practice’s rota. Locums may cover anything from a single shift or weekend to several weeks or months, and they can work across different types of practice — small animal, equine, farm or mixed.

What does a locum veterinary surgeon do?

• Provide clinical care — consultations, routine surgeries and emergency cases as required.
• Cover colleagues’ annual leave, sickness or training days.
• Help manage busy periods or provide extra clinical capacity (for example bank holidays or weekends).
• Adapt quickly to different practice teams, systems and protocols.
• Communicate with practice staff and clients, and often complete clinical records and follow-up care plans.

Benefits of locum veterinary surgeon roles

Locum work offers a number of clear advantages — and a few practical considerations — compared with permanent employment:

Pay

Daily and hourly rates for locum vets in the UK are generally higher than the pro-rata pay for many permanent roles, reflecting the temporary nature of the work and the need for flexibility. Recent surveys and market reports show typical locum day rates often fall in the £400–£500 per day range, with some variation by region, out-of-hours work and experience. The SPVS 2024 Salary Survey reported a mean daily rate of around £494, while specialty and night rates can be considerably higher.

Working hours and flexibility

Locums can choose shifts that suit them — part-time, full days, weekends, nights or block bookings. That flexibility is a major draw: many locums balance clinical work with study, family or other commitments. Note that out-of-hours or emergency shifts typically attract premium rates.

Variety and experience

Locum roles expose vets to a wide variety of cases, equipment and team structures, which can broaden clinical experience quickly and build confidence across different types of practice.

Autonomy and work–life balance

Locums often report greater control over their schedule and the ability to avoid some of the administrative burdens of permanent roles — though those responsibilities (for example maintaining CPD, professional indemnity and record-keeping) remain the individual’s responsibility.

Practical considerations

• As a locum you normally need your own professional indemnity insurance unless the hirer explicitly provides it.
• Tax and PAYE/self-employment status depend on contract type — check terms carefully.
• Some clinics expect locums to be familiar with their practice software and protocols, so an initial orientation may be required.

Trends in locum veterinary surgeon positions in the UK

Workforce studies and industry surveys over the last couple of years show locum work is a significant and growing part of the UK veterinary market:

• The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) 2024 Salary Survey found that around 23% of veterinary surgeon respondents identified as locums, indicating strong representation in the market.
• Industry pay analyses in 2024 found mean locum daily rates around £494 per day, reflecting modest year-on-year increases as practices balance demand and cost pressures.
• The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) workforce research highlights ongoing shifts in the profession, including a rise in part-time and flexible working, which is fuelling the growth of locum opportunities across the UK.

In short, locum roles remain an important and growing option for many vets in the UK. Demand can be regional and seasonal, and rates vary by type of work (day shifts vs overnight/on-call) and by experience.

How to become a veterinary surgeon in the UK

1. Gain the right qualifications — complete a veterinary medicine degree recognised by the RCVS (typically a five- or five-and-a-half-year BVetMed/MVB or equivalent). Graduates from recognised overseas schools may also be eligible after meeting RCVS assessment requirements.
2. Register with the RCVS — to practise legally in the UK you must be registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Registration ensures you meet the required professional and ethical standards.
3. Obtain clinical experience — many new graduates complete internships or early years in practice to build surgical and clinical confidence.
4. Maintain CPD and professional indemnity — both are essential whether you choose permanent or locum work.
5. Consider additional certificates — postgraduate certificates or diplomas (for example in surgery, imaging or medicine) can help if you plan to specialise or command higher locum rates.

Already a vet looking for locum roles?

If you’re an experienced veterinary surgeon ready to take locum bookings, MedMatch Vets can help match you to suitable locum shifts. Apply now — send your CV to info@medmatchvets.co.uk. Whether you’re seeking flexible weekend work, block locums or ad-hoc cover, we’ll work with you to find roles that suit your skills and availability.

Sources: SPVS Salary Survey 2024; RCVS Survey of the Professions 2024; Vet Record and Vet Times industry pay reports (2024–2025).