Veterinary Recruitment Trends

Independents are competing well

Strong independent groups are winning more of the experienced vet market than they did two or three years ago. Better pay, more flexible rotas and clearer clinical autonomy are the usual reasons candidates give.

The four day week is now normal

Once unusual, it is now one of the first questions candidates ask. Practices that cannot offer it are increasingly having to explain why, or compensate through other rota flexibility.

Out of hours is separating from first opinion

The trend of first opinion practices moving away from their own OOH continues. Dedicated night vet roles are commanding strong salaries and are increasingly seen as a specialism rather than an add on.

Nursing pay is catching up

The largest year on year movement we have seen is in RVN pay, particularly for experienced nurses in the Midlands and North West. Practices that have not benchmarked in the last twelve months are increasingly at risk of losing people.

Career changers are more visible

We are seeing more clinicians moving between first opinion, referral, industry and locum work, sometimes several times over their career. The linear progression story is fading.

What this means for practices

• Benchmark pay yearly, not every three years.
• Be specific about your rota, culture and CPD in adverts.
• Move quickly when you meet strong candidates.
• Invest in the induction as heavily as in the search.

What this means for professionals

• You have more choice than you probably realise.
• The best roles are not always advertised.
• Rota and culture matter more than the salary gap between two similar offers.
• It is a good time to be specific about what you want.

Frequently asked questions

Is the shortage getting better?

In pockets, yes. In others it is unchanged. It varies by region and role.

Are graduate salaries still rising?

They have stabilised after a sharp rise in previous years, with better structured programmes now the main differentiator.