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Veterinary surgeon: Typical employers/vacancy sources

Typical employers

Veterinary surgeons are typically employed in private practices in rural and urban areas. They may also work for zoos, animal hospitals and animal welfare societies, such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) , the Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) and The Blue Cross .

It is also possible to pursue a research and/or teaching career within universities or research bodies.

Overseas opportunities may be found with, amongst others:

• the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) (a bursary for the last three years' training is possible, but commits the recipients to a minimum four years' commission);
• Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) .

Vets in general practice are often sub-contracted for part-time work by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) or local authorities, inspecting hygiene and care standards in zoos, kennels, catteries, riding stables, pet shops and cattle markets. Approximately 400 vets work full-time for DEFRA. This work involves the control and eradication of animal diseases, and the protection of public health interests.

Other government agencies that employ vets include the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) , the Food Standards Agency , the Food Standards Agency Meat Hygiene Service , the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Home Office .

Sources of vacancies

Search graduate jobs on this site.

• Veterinary Record  - the key source of vacancies for veterinary surgeons
• Veterinary Times 
• Defence Animal Centre  - for vacancies with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC)  

Relevant jobs are occasionally advertised on the websites of the following government departments:

• Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)  
• Food Standards Agency  

Academic institutions and charitable organisations may also advertise vacancies through their websites.

See also job hunting tips and applications, CVs and interviews.

AGCAS

Written by Paul Fitzgerald, AGCAS

Last updated:

November 2009

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