Open Vets - Vet & Vet Nurse Recruitment Specialists

To practice as a vet in the UK you need to register with the RCVS, hold an approved degree, follow ethical and professional standards and agree to keep your skills and knowledge up to date.

There are 6 recognised veterinary degrees over either 5or 6 years. Each school asks for different entry qualifications and all expect some demonstration of commitment by way of relevant work experience e.g. at a practice, on a farm, a rescue centre or kennels. Degree courses include extra-mural studies in a working environment also.

Upon qualification the majority of graduates begin in general practice as an assistant an overtime as experience grows become a partner, take a Joint Venture opportunity with a corporate group or own a practice.

Public health – Working in Government and private laboratories vets provide diagnostic and testing services, help to prevent and control animal and human diseases and maintain the country’s health status. For example; Veterinary pathologists provide advice on diseases based on results from scientific analysis of samples. Veterinary epidemiologists evaluate the safety of food processing plants and abattoirs, investigating disease outbreaks such as, BSE and foot-and-mouth disease.

Armed Forces – there is a small army vet corps based in the UK. A vet is usually enlisted at captain rank.

Education and Politics – Vets can also become involved in veterinary education or politics representing the profession and helping to steer and shape the profession’s future.

Our expert veterinary consultants are able to advise you on different career paths and give a current market appraisal and details of immediate and future opportunities.

If you are a veterinary surgeon qualified in the UK it is possible for you to live and work in Australia and New Zealand. Download our veterinary relocation guide and view current vacancies here.

Our veterinary practice sales and acquisitions team can help you if you are looking for a JV opportunity or to buy or sell a practice. To discuss your requirements further in confidence.

There are around 16,000 practicing vets in the UK today, to join them you will need to register with The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. To be eligible to register you need to be a graduate in veterinary science from:

There may of course be further requirements, for example, you may need a Visa or work permit. At Open we have successfully placed many veterinary surgeons from overseas either in locum or permanent roles. There is no charge for vets seeking to work in the UK to register with us.

To become a veterinary nurse in the UK you can undertake vocational training for a minimum of two years working under supervision in practice and studying on day or block release. This mixture of continual assessment and external exams will lead to an NVQ qualification or you can study for a degree or HND in veterinary nursing which takes 3 or 4 years depending on the course. Both paths lead to qualification to be a vet nurse.

Develop a career as a veterinary nurse in General Practice working with small animals, large animals or a mixture of both.
Follow a career in specialist care in a referral centre or hospital.
Become a practice manager.
Work in academia as a lecturer or researcher
Work in veterinary supplies or pharmaceutical industries

Since September 2007, the RCVS has offered a non-statutory register for veterinary nurses although there is no current requirement for it in legislation as there is for other professionals, such as veterinary Surgeons.

There is currently no legislation for a vet nurse to be registered with a governing body or to be qualified to practice in the UK.

There are requirements that you need to meet before you are able to work in the UK, and you will need the appropriate Visa or work permit. You will also need a good command of the English language.

At Open we have successfully placed vet nurses from overseas either in locum or permanent roles. There is no charge for vet nurses seeking to work in the UK to register with us.

Australia and New Zealand are looking for veterinary professionals wanting to relocate either for a short time or long term. To find out more visit our Australian site here.

“At Open, it's not about finding you a job. We'll work hard to find the best job, the best company and best remuneration package for you.”