Ellie Horvath
London is a hub for animal care professionals, with a diverse range of vet jobs available for those with the skills and passion to pursue them. From traditional clinical roles to more specialized positions, there are countless opportunities for veterinarians to find their dream job in the city.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a look at the top 10 vet jobs in London, exploring the duties, skills, and qualifications required for each role. We’ll also delve into the job outlook and salary expectations for each position, so you can make an informed decision about your career path.
So, whether you’re just starting out in your vet career or looking to make a change, this guide has everything you need to know about the top vet jobs in London.
Small Animal Vet
As the name suggests, small animal vets specialize in treating the common pets that we keep at home, including cats, dogs, and smaller mammals. These vets work in private clinics and hospitals, providing a range of diagnostic, medical, and surgical services to their patients.
Skills and qualifications: Small animal vets typically hold a degree in veterinary medicine and are registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). They should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a strong aptitude for problem-solving and decision-making.
Job outlook: Demand for small animal vets is consistently high, with many clinics and hospitals in London looking for experienced professionals to join their team.
Salary expectations: Small animal vets in London can expect to earn a competitive salary, with the average starting salary for newly qualified vets hovering around £30,000 per year. More experienced professionals can earn significantly more, with some earning upwards of £60,000 per year.
Large Animal Vet
Large animal vets specialize in treating livestock and other large animals, including horses, cows, and sheep. These professionals work in a variety of settings, including farms, stables, and zoos, and are responsible for providing diagnostic, medical, and surgical care to their patients.
Skills and qualifications: Large animal vets typically hold a degree in veterinary medicine and are registered with the RCVS. They should have a strong understanding of large animal anatomy and physiology, as well as excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Job outlook: The demand for large animal vets in London is generally lower than for small animal vets, with many professionals working on a freelance basis or in rural areas outside of the city.
Salary expectations: Large animal vets in London can expect to earn a competitive salary, with the average starting salary for newly qualified vets hovering around £30,000 per year. More experienced professionals can earn significantly more, with some earning upwards of £60,000 per year.
Emergency and Critical Care Vet
Emergency and critical care vets specialize in providing immediate medical attention to sick or injured animals. These professionals work in emergency clinics and hospitals, and are responsible for stabilizing patients, performing diagnostic tests, and providing treatment as needed.
Skills and qualifications: Emergency and critical care vets typically hold a degree in veterinary medicine and are registered with the RCVS. They should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a strong aptitude for problem-solving and decision-making under pressure.
Job outlook: Demand for emergency and critical care vets in London is consistently high, with many emergency clinics and hospitals looking for experienced professionals to join their team.
Salary expectations: Emergency and critical care vets in London can expect to earn a competitive salary, with the average starting salary for newly qualified vets hovering around £30,000 per year. More experienced professionals can earn significantly more, with some earning upwards of £60,000 per year.
Veterinary Surgeon
Veterinary surgeons specialize in performing surgical procedures on animals. These professionals work in private clinics and hospitals, and are responsible for diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, from routine spays and neuters to more complex procedures.
Skills and qualifications: Veterinary surgeons typically hold a degree in veterinary medicine and are registered with the RCVS. They should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a strong aptitude for problem-solving and decision-making. In addition, veterinary surgeons must have extensive knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, as well as a high level of surgical skill.
Job outlook: Demand for veterinary surgeons in London is consistently high, with many private clinics and hospitals looking for experienced professionals to join their team.
Salary expectations: Veterinary surgeons in London can expect to earn a competitive salary, with the average starting salary for newly qualified vets hovering around £30,000 per year. More experienced professionals can earn significantly more, with some earning upwards of £60,000 per year.
Veterinary Dentist
Veterinary dentists specialize in diagnosing and treating dental conditions in animals. These professionals work in private clinics and hospitals, and are responsible for providing a range of dental services, including cleanings, extractions, and periodontal treatments.
Skills and qualifications: Veterinary dentists typically hold a degree in veterinary medicine and are registered with the RCVS. They should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a strong aptitude for problem-solving and decision-making. In addition, veterinary dentists must have extensive knowledge of animal dental anatomy and physiology, as well as a high level of dental skill.
Job outlook: Demand for veterinary dentists in London is consistently high, with many private clinics and hospitals looking for experienced professionals to join their team.
Salary expectations: Veterinary dentists in London can expect to earn a competitive salary, with the average starting salary for newly qualified vets hovering around £30,000 per year. More experienced professionals can earn significantly more, with some earning upwards of £60,000 per year.
Veterinary Pathologist
Veterinary pathologists specialize in diagnosing diseases in animals through the examination of tissue and fluid samples. These professionals work in research labs, universities, and private clinics, and are responsible for conducting diagnostic tests, interpreting results, and providing recommendations for treatment.
Skills and qualifications: Veterinary pathologists typically hold a degree in veterinary medicine and are registered with the RCVS. They should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a strong aptitude for problem-solving and decision-making. In addition, veterinary pathologists must have extensive knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, as well as a high level of diagnostic skill.
Job outlook: Demand for veterinary pathologists in London is consistently high, with many research labs, universities, and private clinics looking for experienced professionals to join their team.
Salary expectations: Veterinary pathologists in London can expect to earn a competitive salary, with the average starting salary for newly qualified vets hovering around £30,000 per year. More experienced professionals can earn significantly more, with some earning upwards of £60,000 per year.
Veterinary Anesthesiologist
Veterinary anesthesiologists specialize in administering and monitoring anesthesia to animals during surgical procedures. These professionals work in private clinics and hospitals, and are responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of their patients during surgery.
Veterinary Dermatologist
Veterinary dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating skin conditions in animals. These professionals work in private clinics and hospitals, and are responsible for conducting diagnostic tests, interpreting results, and providing recommendations for treatment.
Skills and qualifications: Veterinary dermatologists typically hold a degree in veterinary medicine and are registered with the RCVS. They should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a strong aptitude for problem-solving and decision-making. In addition, veterinary dermatologists must have extensive knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, as well as a high level of diagnostic skill.
Job outlook: Demand for veterinary dermatologists in London is consistently high, with many private clinics and hospitals looking for experienced professionals to join their team.
Salary expectations: Veterinary dermatologists in London can expect to earn a competitive salary, with the average starting salary for newly qualified vets hovering around £30,000 per year. More experienced professionals can earn significantly more, with some earning upwards of £60,000 per year.
Veterinary Oncologist
Veterinary oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer in animals. These professionals work in private clinics and hospitals, and are responsible for conducting diagnostic tests, interpreting results, and providing recommendations for treatment.
Skills and qualifications: Veterinary oncologists typically hold a degree in veterinary medicine and are registered with the RCVS. They should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a strong aptitude for problem-solving and decision-making. In addition, veterinary oncologists must have extensive knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, as well as a high level of diagnostic skill.
Job outlook: Demand for veterinary oncologists in London is consistently high, with many private clinics and hospitals looking for experienced professionals to join their team.
Salary expectations: Veterinary oncologists in London can expect to earn a competitive salary, with the average starting salary for newly qualified vets hovering around £30,000 per year. More experienced professionals can earn significantly more, with some earning upwards of £60,000 per year.
Veterinary Rehabilitation Therapist
Veterinary rehabilitation therapists specialize in helping animals recover from injuries or surgeries through the use of physical therapy, massage, and other rehabilitation techniques. These professionals work in private clinics and hospitals, and are responsible for designing and implementing rehabilitation plans for their patients.
Skills and qualifications: Veterinary rehabilitation therapists typically hold a degree in veterinary medicine and are registered with the RCVS. They should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a strong aptitude for problem-solving and decision-making. In addition, veterinary rehabilitation therapists must have extensive knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, as well as a high level of physical therapy skill.
Job outlook: Demand for veterinary rehabilitation therapists in London is consistently high, with many private clinics and hospitals looking for experienced professionals to join their team.
Salary expectations: Veterinary rehabilitation therapists in London can expect to earn a competitive salary, with the average starting salary for newly qualified vets hovering around £30,000 per year. More experienced professionals can earn significantly more, with some earning upwards of £60,000 per year.
| Job Title | Skills and Qualifications | Job Outlook | Salary Expectations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Animal Vet | Degree in veterinary medicine, registered with RCVS, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong aptitude for problem-solving and decision-making | High | £30,000 – £60,000 per year |
| Large Animal Vet | Degree in veterinary medicine, registered with RCVS, strong understanding of large animal anatomy and physiology, excellent communication and problem-solving skills | Low | £30,000 – £60,000 per year |
| Emergency and Critical Care Vet | Degree in veterinary medicine, registered with RCVS, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong aptitude for problem-solving and decision-making under pressure | High | £30,000 – £60,000 per year |
| Veterinary Surgeon | Degree in veterinary medicine, registered with RCVS, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong aptitude for problem-solving and decision-making, extensive knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, high level of surgical skill | High | £30,000 – £60,000 per year |
| Veterinary Dentist | Degree in veterinary medicine, registered with RCVS, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong aptitude for problem-solving and decision-making, extensive knowledge of animal dental anatomy and physiology, high level of dental skill | High | £30,000 – £60,000 per year |
| Veterinary Pathologist | Degree in veterinary medicine, registered with RCVS, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong aptitude for problem-solving and decision-making, extensive knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, high level of diagnostic skill | High | £30,000 – £60,000 per year |
| Veterinary Anesthesiologist | Degree in veterinary medicine, registered with RCVS, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong aptitude for problem-solving and decision-making, extensive knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, high level of anesthesiology skill | High | £30,000 – £60,000 per year |
| Veterinary Dermatologist | Degree in veterinary medicine, registered with RCVS, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong aptitude for problem-solving and decision-making, extensive knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, high level of diagnostic skill | High | £30,000 – £60,000 per year |
| Veterinary Oncologist | Degree in veterinary medicine, registered with RCVS, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong aptitude for problem-solving and decision-making, extensive knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, high level of diagnostic skill | High | £30,000 – £60,000 per year |
| Veterinary Rehabilitation Therapist | Degree in veterinary medicine, registered with RCVS, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong aptitude for problem-solving and decision-making, extensive knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, high level of physical therapy skill | High | £30,000 – £60,000 per year |
