The True Cost of a Vacancy in Your Practice
Every practice owner knows how disruptive it is when a role goes unfilled. But many underestimate just how much a single vacancy costs — not only in pounds, but in lost goodwill, staff morale, and long-term growth.
At Vetmatch, we help practices across the UK fill roles quickly and sustainably. Here’s what one vacancy could really be costing you.
1. Locum Costs vs Permanent Salary
Covering a vacancy with locums can plug the gap — but at a heavy price.
Average locum vet day rate: £450–£500
Over 5 days a week: £2,250–£2,500
Monthly cost: £9,000–£10,000+
Compare this to a permanent vet on a £60,000 salary — around £5,000 per month. That’s double the cost if you rely on locums.
And that’s before you add agency fees, travel, or accommodation costs.
2. Lost Revenue Opportunities
A good rule of thumb: vets generate around 5x their salary in turnover.
A £60,000 vet typically contributes £300,000+ revenue annually.
That’s £25,000 per month.
Even with locums covering, practices usually see a 10%+ drop in income due to fewer booked procedures, reduced upselling, and clients slipping elsewhere. That’s £2,500–£3,000 per month in lost revenue — minimum.
3. Strain on Your Team
Vacancies force existing staff to work harder, cover awkward shifts, and sacrifice work–life balance. The effects include:
Rising stress and fatigue.
More sick leave.
Higher staff turnover.
Replacing one vet may soon become replacing two — multiplying your costs and compounding the disruption.
4. Impact on Clients & Goodwill
When you’re short-staffed, clients feel it:
Longer waiting times.
Reduced continuity of care.
Less time with each patient.
The result? More complaints, reduced client satisfaction, and damage to your hard-won reputation. One bad experience can lose a client forever, and negative reviews ripple through your local community.
5. Stress for Owners & Managers
Vacancies drain practice leaders too. Instead of focusing on growth and client service, you’re firefighting rota gaps, covering complaints, and juggling locum schedules. The cost here is harder to measure — but any owner knows the toll it takes.
Adding It Up
Here’s what one unfilled vet vacancy could realistically cost you each month:
Extra locum spend: £4,000–£5,000 (vs perm salary)
Lost revenue: £2,500–£3,000+
Cancelled surgical lists: potentially £4,000–£6,000 in a single day without nursing cover
Client goodwill: harder to measure, but the effect on retention and reputation is real
Staff morale & turnover: the hidden cost that can spiral quickly
That’s £6,500–£8,000+ per month in measurable costs for a vet vacancy
👉 And it’s not just vets. We know of practices that have had to cancel entire surgical lists due to lack of qualified nurses. A single cancelled day of ops can cost thousands in lost revenue — sometimes more devastating than the locum costs themselves.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
The longer a role is left open, the harder it becomes to fill. Candidates notice repeated adverts, staff morale declines further, and your costs escalate. Acting fast not only saves money — it protects your team, your reputation, and your bottom line.
How Vetmatch Helps
We know the cost of a vacancy goes far beyond a salary line. That’s why our process focuses on:
Speed — filling urgent gaps with trusted locums when needed.
Stability — finding permanent hires who fit your culture and stay.
Sustainability — helping reduce reliance on locums and strengthen your team long-term.
Final Thought
A vacancy isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a significant financial and cultural risk. But with the right partner, it doesn’t have to be. Vetmatch takes the stress out of recruitment, helping you secure the people who will strengthen your practice for years to come.