The Changing Face of Veterinary Recruitment in the UK
The veterinary profession is evolving. Recruitment today looks very different to the post-Covid boom years, and both employers and candidates need to understand how the landscape is shifting. At Vetmatch, we’re here to help you navigate it.
More Graduates, More Schools
The UK is steadily increasing its supply of new vets. Recent figures show 181 more UK graduates registered in 2024 compared to 2023 — a 16% rise. And more are coming: alongside established universities, new vet schools at Surrey, Harper & Keele, Aberystwyth (with RVC), and UCLan (the University of Central Lancashire, which opened its £40m school in 2025) are expanding training capacity.
👉 The effect? More early-career vets entering the workforce, and likely more competition for new-grad roles.
Demand Is Softening
The “Covid puppy boom” has passed; as those pets move into middle age, demand for first vaccinations and early-life services is stabilising. Combined with corporate cost-control and signs of overcapacity in some areas, we expect slower growth in vet jobs at entry level.
Salaries: From Boom to Balance
The post-pandemic salary surge has cooled.
Veterinary salaries are still rising, but at a slower pace.
Locum rates have plateaued as many groups cap costs and deliberately reduce locum reliance.
👉 For candidates: don’t expect double-digit jumps to continue.
👉 For employers: focus on package design, flexibility, and culture to stay competitive.
CMA Impact & Market Uncertainty
The CMA’s remedies (due shortly) are expected to affect veterinary profits through increased transparency and possible prescription reforms. This is already:
Reducing investment in some areas.
Creating uncertainty for corporates and independents alike.
Likely to dampen salary inflation further.
Culture & Wellbeing Front and Centre
Mental health challenges remain a major issue. Vetlife handled 5,111 contacts in 2024 — up 26% year-on-year.
Candidates now prioritise:
Supportive teams.
Flexibility around hours.
Progression opportunities.
A workplace where they feel valued.
Culture is no longer a “nice-to-have” — it’s a deal-breaker.
Locum to Permanent: A Clear Shift
Employers are reducing long-term locum reliance, and predictability is winning out:
More locums are moving into permanent roles.
Practices are focusing on retention and stability, rather than plugging endless gaps.
Packages Are Evolving
It’s not just about salary anymore. Employers are adding:
Relocation bonuses.
Pre-arranged holiday agreements.
Accommodation options.
Mentorship and career-development pathways.
For many candidates, progression and facilities (which have often improved post-Covid) are now just as important as pay.
Recruitment Remains Fast-Paced
Despite all this change, one thing hasn’t slowed: strong candidates are still picked up quickly. Employers can’t afford to dither; candidates can’t afford to undersell themselves.
Final Word
Veterinary recruitment is evolving fast.
Employers: make sure your practice doesn’t get left behind — let us help you build a sustainable team that thrives.
Candidates: set your career on fire with the right move — and the right support behind you.