Heading to job interviews can be nervewracking, especially for aspiring veterinarians. This is your chance to prove that you’re qualified, committed and compassionate and that you would be the perfect candidate for the role in question. It’s a competitive industry, but once you’ve found a role you love, you’ll be grateful for the job satisfaction.

As with any job sector, the key to giving a good first impression at interviews is to be prepared. To help you prepare for your next veterinarian interview, we’ve listed our top tips below.

Research the veterinary surgery

One of the most effective ways to impress your potential new employer is to show that you’ve researched the veterinary surgery the role would be based at. Mentioning the name of the current practice manager or talking about the services they offer will show your interviewer that you have done more than simply browse their website.

Call ahead to ask for details

When it comes to acing an interview, you need to make sure you arrive on time, dressed appropriately and prepared for anything they throw at you. They may want to see particular academic certificates or a printed reference from your previous role, so make sure you get this information before you arrive.

Focus on your body language

For aspiring veterinary surgeons, focusing on body language is imperative. Remember: your interviewer won’t just be looking at how you communicate with them, but also how you’ll be communicating with and responding to your patients. If you appear closed off or distant in your interview, you won’t give off a good impression.

Give lots of examples

Employers want to know that their chosen candidate can work under pressure and is comfortable using their initiative, especially in healthcare environments. Make sure you can prove your worth during the interview by coming prepared with lots of examples of how you’ve handled difficult situations and what the end result was.

Prepare for hypothetical situations

Additionally, your interviewer will want to know that you’ll be comfortable in circumstances you’ve never dealt with before. For instance, they might ask you to describe how you would deal with an aggressive animal or how you’d keep a dog calm during a dental examination. To give yourself the best chance of answering these questions well, prepare for as many hypothetical situations you can think of.

If you’re looking for a new veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse role, look no further than VetPro Recruitment for the latest vacancies in the UK. We offer a highly personal and efficient recruitment experience and are dedicated to matching the perfect candidate to the perfect role. Register on our website to start your job search today.

A career as a veterinarian is frequently found on lists of children’s top ten dream jobs, alongside roles such as astronaut, actor or scientist. While some people may grow up and decide to own a pet or volunteer at an animal shelter to indulge their love of animals, many will choose to officially study towards a vet career.

Vets diagnose and treat a wide range of animals, from domestic pets like cats and dogs, to larger zoo animals or livestock. The choice of veterinary careers is more varied than you might think, from the well-known roles like a veterinary surgeon or nurse to a veterinary radiologist or animal hydrotherapist. If you’ve always dreamt of working with animals and want to know more about just some of the career options available, read on for our handy guide.

Veterinary nurse

This role involves working as part of a vet care team providing expert nursing care for many different species of sick or injured animals. First-line care duties include vaccinations, neutering, worming and general health checks. Vet nurses also educate pet owners on animal health, assist with operations, monitor anaesthesia and perform diagnostic tests (X-rays, blood tests etc).

Veterinary surgeon

A surgeon is what most people think of when they picture a ‘typical vet’ and a vet surgeon is responsible for the prevention of disease and surgical treatment of animals. The role can be highly varied and vet surgeons can work privately, for a public practice, in a teaching or research post, or for an organisation like the army or an animal charity.

Animal hydrotherapist

Animal hydrotherapists use hydrotherapy techniques to help animals make improvements from injury or chronic conditions. Dogs are the most commonly treated animal using this method and it can help with injuries and diagnosed health conditions, as well as functioning as a fun form of exercise.

Veterinary receptionist

Vet receptionists work at the front line of all communications between visiting clients and vet surgeons, nurses and any other relevant practice or organisation. As well as answering phones and dealing with appointments, receptionists may also help out with some basic aspects of animal care, making this role a great stepping stone for a veterinary career.

Veterinary radiologist

A radiologist is an expert in all forms of medical imaging, including X-rays, MRI scans, radiographs, CT scans and ultrasounds. A veterinary radiologist requires expert skill and knowledge in the form of standard veterinary training, plus further training in how to interpret diagnostic images.

If you’re looking for the perfect veterinary role for you, get help from the experts at VetPro Recruitment. Our highly experienced recruiters can work with you to help you find the perfect role to complement your skills and experience. Whether you’re looking for a surgeon or nurse role, a job overseas, or need some help with CV writing and interview techniques, we can help. For more information, get in touch today on 01392 824667 or register via our website.

Being a locum vet means filling in when permanent staff members are away. Travelling to different veterinary practices across the country, it’s important that you make a good impression with your new team whether you’re going to be there for a few months or a few weeks. It can be nerve-wracking settling into a new team, however, if you want an enjoyable experience at work then you need to put some effort into getting to know your colleagues and doing your job well.

Once you have secured your placement as a locum veterinary nurse or another similar role, you must hit the ground running during your first week as this will show people that you're dedicated to doing a good job as well as fitting in with the team. Making a good impression will also increase your chances of getting booked again.

In this blog, we explain how you can begin your locum placement in the best way. Read on to hear about our best tips.

Settling in as a locum vet nurse

As a locum vet, you’ll need to get used to working with different people and moving around frequently. But, one of the benefits of this type of work is that you can learn so much in a short space of time. From large practices to smaller independent vets, you’ll get to work in so many different environments and with lots of different professionals.

However, settling in can make you feel a little anxious but following our top tips will help you out and ensure that each position you take on is enjoyable. Read on for all you need to know.

Helping junior colleagues

Being on hand to help junior colleagues will show your new colleagues that you care about the whole team. Think about when you were in their position, learning from more experienced members probably helped you out a lot so do the same for others. Despite only being there for a short amount of time, you should think about the bigger picture as well as focusing on your own work - a good veterinary practice requires everyone to work together so if you see someone struggling always lend a hand when you can.

If you’re in a junior position yourself then take initiative and do as much as you can to grow your skillset by learning from those around you. The last thing anyone wants is someone joining their team who isn’t ready to get stuck in and work to the best of their ability, so be open-minded and stay alert and take initiative.

Leading with confidence

If you do find yourself in a position where you are helping junior colleagues or leading a team, lead with confidence. Show everyone how you can make a positive difference to the practice by making your contribution and leading in a way that isn’t domineering.

Here at VetPro Recruitment, our team will help you prepare for your new role. From updating your CV to show off your full potential to interview skills and techniques, we’ve helped hundreds of veterinary professionals secure locum roles all over the UK. Find out more today.

Being flexible

Every practice will operate in a slightly different way in terms of policies and procedures and generally the way each team member works. When working as a locum vet flexibility is something that you must bear in mind as being too stuck in your ways could cause tension with your new team members and affect the quality of your work. Instead, you must learn to be adaptable to the way each practice works and be open-minded to operating in a new way.

Being in a new environment may take a few days to get used to, but you should look at it as an opportunity to learn and expand your veterinary knowledge - you may learn things that work out better than the way you’d usually do it. Flexibility is needed to help you fit into your new workplace, as enforcing your way of working could be seen as intrusive and won’t create a good first impression.

Building a good rapport with staff

Creating a good rapport with your new team will make your time at the practice a lot more enjoyable. Keep up good communication with everyone to build good relationships. Keeping to yourself might not give off the right vibe as quietness may be seen as rudeness. You need to make an effort and get to know your colleagues. Say hello every morning, make small talk and sit in communal lunch spaces so you are not separate from the team.

Putting in effort

Although locum positions are not permanent roles, you should treat each practice as if it was your permanent workplace. Contract work should be treated as any other job. Take each contract as it comes and work as a regular member of staff. You will need to put in a little more effort as you don’t have the luxury of getting to know everyone over some time.

How can recruitment professionals help you find locum roles?

Working as a locum vet means you have more flexibility over your work, however, on the other hand, it can create some uncertainty too. Finding the right role for you is important, but doing this yourself can be stressful. Recruitment specialists, such as VetPro Recruitment are specialists in this field and can take care of the hard work for you. They can help by:

• Being the first to hear about new positions by connecting with large and small veterinary practices. This means you can be one of the first applicants and make a good first impression on the employer.
• Finding you roles that match your recruitments and needs and guiding you through the application. You may end up skipping past roles that you find online as they don’t seem right at first glance, however, recruitment staff can provide more information and answer any questions that you wouldn’t be able to get answers to.
• Offering a much bigger database of jobs than what you may have access too. This will expand your options so you find a role that you’re really passionate about, not just what happens to be available.
• Helping you polish up your CV and work on your interview skills. As recruiters will have more information on the practice and what the employer is looking for this can make your experience a lot easier.

VetPro Recruitment: Finding Locum vet nurse jobs across the UK

A career in veterinary care is very rewarding and we’re passionate about the industry. Whether you’re a locum vet looking for your next position or a newly qualified locum veterinary nurse, our professional recruitment team is on hand to help. We work with both employers and jobseekers to match each vacancy with the right candidate.

Finding your next role can be a little stressful, but we aim to make your job hunting experience a lot easier. Efficient and experienced we’ll guide you through the entire process including writing your CV, applying for positions and interview prep. Choose the best veterinary recruitment team in the country, get in touch today for more information.

It takes years of dedication and hard work to qualify as a vet and the competition to secure a place on a veterinary course can be fierce. After all that hard work, it’s natural to want to find the perfect job to suit your skills, but where to start? The world of veterinary science is wider and more varied than you might think, and there are many different roles available, from a veterinary surgeon to a nurse, animal technician, radiologist or a role in a specific area, such as livestock or zoo animals.

Many people use recruitment agencies to help them land that dream role and there are many benefits to using a professional service while job hunting. With this in mind, see below for just a few reasons to use a recruitment agency when looking for your next vet job.

It’s fast and immediate

Recruiters have a vast database at their fingertips so they can quickly and efficiently suggest jobs that match your specific skill set. It also allows jobseekers to get immediate feedback on their applications and advice on which jobs are worth pursuing.

More job opportunities

Some job vacancies are only advertised via a recruitment agency, giving you access to roles that many others won’t even see. Recruiters are also there to help tailor and manage your job search, and a tighter focus translates to more interview opportunities in the long run. There’s no point wasting valuable time and energy pursuing roles which aren’t a good fit, so let an agency narrow it down to the opportunities which really matter.

Tools to help you

Recruiters are also on hand to offer guidance, support and practical help in areas like CV writing or interview skills. Using an agency long term also allows candidates to build up a personal relationship with their recruiter, so they can tailor their services to your requirements.

Recruiters who specialise in your industry

Agencies such as Vet Pro Recruitment offer highly experienced recruiters who specialise in vet recruitment, so you can be sure that they’re geared towards roles which are right for you. We have all the skills and experience required to help you secure that perfect role, on a contract or permanent basis. You’ll find a wide selection of the best veterinary vacancies online, and if you’re an employer, we can help match you with the most qualified and suitable candidates for the role.

For more information about how Vet Pro Recruitment could help you land the job of your dreams, or find the perfect candidate to fill a vacancy at your practice, give us a call today or visit our website.

If you’re an animal lover then chances are that you will have thought about what it takes to become a vet. Veterinarians frequently make an appearance on top ten lists of children’s dream jobs, but there’s also a lot of hard work along the way. Working as a vet can be extremely rewarding, but any potential veterinarians must be prepared to dedicate a lot of time and effort to studying. To become a vet, you will need a degree in veterinary medicine from an approved university, but there are several routes you can take to get there.

If you want to know more about what it takes to become a vet, from qualifications and training to how to find your first veterinary job, read on for our handy guide.

What is a vet?

Veterinary surgeons (often abbreviated to vets for short), look after and maintain the health of animals. This can cover a wide range of services, including operations, prescribing and administering medicines, and treating wounds and illnesses.

The world of veterinary medicine covers a wide range of roles however, and qualified vets can choose to specialise in one in several avenues. You might choose to specialise in treating farm animals, zoo animals or domestic pets, or some vets choose to focus on just one animal, such as horses. Vets aren’t confined to working in a veterinary practice either, you might work on a farm, for an animal charity, for the military or in research and public health.

Education and qualifications

As we’ve mentioned, becoming a vet takes several years of study and hard work. However, many people choose to change careers at a later point in their lives, so if you’re truly passionate then don’t be put off or think that it’s ‘too late’. All vets in the UK must be a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS); this means you’ll need to complete a five year degree at one of the UK’s recognised veterinary colleges. We will describe this in more detail later, but first you’ll need to know what qualifications and skills you need to gain a place on a vet course.

Qualifications

There are several qualification routes you can take to gain the necessary entry requirements, including A levels and vocational qualifications. If you’re choosing to study A levels, a high grade in biology is usually required, alongside two other science related subjects such as chemistry or maths. Many degree courses require AAA at A level, alongside five GCSEs at A* to C grades, including maths, English and science.

If you’re over the age of 19 then you could take an Access to Higher Education Course instead, but be aware that not all vet schools accept Access to HE qualifications. Many do however, and you’ll usually require a distinction with a heavy focus on science subjects. Many people are eligible for loans to cover the cost of these courses, and some colleges will wipe the cost altogether if you go on to successfully complete a degree in veterinary science.

Another route you can take is a vocational qualification like a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma. This will need to be in a relevant subject such as Applied Science or Animal Management and you may also need to complete additional A levels, depending on the university’s entry requirements.

Finally, some universities accept a degree in another subject as an acceptable entry requirement. In most cases you’ll need at least a 2:1 and a science degree is advantageous. However, some universities now offer change of career programmes which allow graduates of any subject to apply. 

Key skills

Qualifications are vital, but you’ll also need several key skills if you want to become a vet. You’ll need to be relaxed and confident when handling a wide range of animals and calm under pressure. Excellent communication skills are also a must, as well as the ability to communicate sensitively with owners. You’ll also need strong academic ability and great written communication for administrative tasks such as writing emails or reports. It’s also important to be able to distill and explain complex medical knowledge to those who may not have the same qualifications and medical training as you.

Work experience

Any experience working with animals is advantageous, and the more you have before you apply, the better. Many courses will include experience of working with animals as a requirement, in addition to the qualifications you need. You can contact local veterinary surgeries in your area to enquire about work experience, and don’t be afraid to work in more than one if you have the time.

Ideally, candidates should have experience working in a veterinary practice and further experience or placements in another area, such as a farm, zoo, kennel or cattery.

Veterinary degrees

After you’ve gained the relevant qualifications and experience, you can apply for a place on a veterinary university course. To become an officially qualified vet, you must complete a degree at a university that runs a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) approved course. As it stands, the following universities offer RCVS approved courses:

• University of Bristol
• University of Cambridge
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Glasgow
• University of Liverpool
• University of Nottingham
• Royal Veterinary College London
• University of Surrey
• Keele University & Harper Adams University

Most veterinary courses run for five years, or four if you already have a degree in a relevant science subject. Students will also be expected to complete practical placements known as Extra-mural Studies (EMS) as well as their class time. EMS placements allow students to gain real-life work experience to enhance their university studies and they must complete a minimum of 38 weeks of EMS during their course. This usually consists of 12 weeks pre-clinical and 26 weeks of clinical placements.

How to register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

After completing their degree, vets will need to register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) before they can legally practice veterinary medicine in the UK. The application process consists of three steps; first you’ll need to submit a registration form along with the required documents.

You should then receive an email response within three days to confirm that your application has been received and is being processed. You’ll then need to confirm an appointment date and make a new account on the RCVS website to pay the registration fee.

The final stage involves travelling to an appointment at the RCVS offices in London. You’ll need to bring original copies of any requested documents that you submitted in your application and your passport.

Applying for work placements

Once you’re all registered - congratulations! You can now start applying for a role as a vet. As mentioned above, vets don’t necessarily work in a veterinary practice, so where you apply will depend on your interests and whether you’ve chosen to specialise in a certain area e.g farm animals.

It’s a good idea to sign up with a specialist vet recruitment agency,  who can help find the right job for you quickly and efficiently. Companies, such as Vet Pro Recruitment, offer comprehensive databases of veterinary vacancies across the UK, and can help match you with the perfect job based on your skills and criteria.

Another advantage of using a professional agency is that they can tailor their services to you and your needs and help you secure a role that’s the perfect fit. You’ll also save a lot of time and energy applying for jobs which might not be a match, and they can help you hone your CV and job interview skills too.

Vet Pro Recruitment - Specialist Recruitment for Vets and Vet Nurses

If you’re looking for ‘vet jobs near me’, get the help and advice you need from the experts at Vet Pro Recruitment. Our highly experienced recruiters are proud to offer friendly, professional and efficient recruitment services, to help you land that perfect job as soon as possible. Whether you’re looking for a veterinary surgeon job or student veterinary nurse jobs, we can help.

For jobseekers, you’ll find a large online database of the latest vacancies, on either a permanent or contract basis. If you’re a veterinary practice looking for the perfect candidate, then we can help with that too. We’ll screen potential candidates quickly and efficiently to ensure we match your practice with the best person for the job and you’ll also have your own recruitment consultant on hand to manage all your needs. For more information about any of our services or to browse our database for the latest jobs, visit our website today or give us a call on 01392 824667.

There’s no doubt about the fact that working as a veterinary nurse is certainly hard work, but it’s also very rewarding. It is both stimulating and challenging and something that also requires many different skills. You’ll certainly need a passion for animals, a strong stomach to cope with the unusual sights and smells and the stamina to be on your feet all day.

What does a veterinary nurse’s job involve?

Nurses work with veterinary surgeons in surgery, clinic or hospital to care for sick and injured pets. A typical day’s work could start with cleaning the kennels as well as feeding and treating inpatients.

This is often followed with a hectic clinic where you would be supporting with injections, medical treatments, bandaging and assisting with any operations which are carried out. Animals aren’t just poorly on a nine to five basis, so nursing jobs usually involve evening, weekend as well as Christmas work. You must remember that pets come with owners, so you need to be confident in dealing with people too.

Voluntary work or work experience is a great introduction to nursing is beneficial if you’re looking for your first job in this field.

Training as a veterinary nurse

The current veterinary nursing qualification is the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) level three diploma in veterinary nursing. It can be carried out on either a full-time basis or apprenticeship-style alongside a job in a veterinary practice. It takes between two to three years to qualify. Various universities offer a foundation or BSc honours degree in veterinary nursing as well – contact them directly for entry requirements and prospectuses.

To begin training as a veterinary nurse you often are required to have the following educational qualifications:

• Five GCSEs at grade C and above (or five Scottish Standard Grades one to three) which must include English language, maths and a science subject.

Alternatively: 

• An animal nursing assistant (ANA) or veterinary care assistant (VCA) qualification, as well as functional skills, level two in the application of number and communication.

The British Veterinary Nursing Association can offer further details about these qualifications and how to attain them.

Other qualifications could be considered acceptable, you’ll have to discuss this with your college or educational facility.

There is no age limit for when you can begin training as a veterinary nurse.

Qualifying as a veterinary nurse

To qualify as a veterinary nurse you must:

• Be enrolled as a student veterinary nurse with the RCVS.
• Attend college-based study for a minimum of 22 weeks over the period of training before exams are sat – usually two years. The college must be approved by the RCVS.
• Complete a minimum of 60 full-time weeks of practical experience within an RCVS registered training practice.
• Compile an electronic nursing progress log (NPL) which provides a complete record of the clinical skills you have learned throughout your training.

If you’re seeking a new veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse role, look no further than VetPro Recruitment for the latest vacancies in the UK. We provide a highly personal and efficient recruitment experience and are dedicated to matching the perfect candidate for the perfect role. Register on our website to start your job search today.

The world of veterinary science is more varied than you might think and there are many roles and career paths outside of ‘vet’. Veterinary field jobs include veterinarians (what most people refer to as simply a ‘vet’), but there are also roles including veterinary assistant, lab technician, animal behaviourist, veterinary surgeon, and many more.

Each of these jobs is highly rewarding and covers a wide range of duties and a veterinary assistant is no exception. A person in this role will carry out a variety of day to day tasks and it’s unlikely that any day will be the same. If you’ve been thinking about becoming a veterinary assistant, or want to know more about the role, see our guide below to find out more about some of the common daily tasks involved.

What is a veterinary assistant?

A veterinary assistant helps to care for animals under the supervision of a veterinarian or vet technician. The role involves general animal care (feeding, bathing etc) and more specialised duties such as helping with the treatment of sick or injured animals. Some vet assistants may also perform administrative duties within the vet practice.

How do I become a veterinary assistant?

The training for a veterinary assistant isn’t as intensive as what’s required to become a vet or a veterinary surgeon, but assistants are a highly valued member of the team so it’s important that anyone undertaking the role is fully qualified.

The most common way to enter the profession is by completing the Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants. This can be studied at a college, or by working remotely online. The programme usually takes one year to complete and there are no formal entry requirements (however, you’ll need to check with any college you apply to). Those taking the online learning option will need to be either employed by, or volunteering at, a veterinary practice.

Even if you are attending college, any work experience or employment in the field will be highly beneficial, so check your local vet practices to see if they can help you gain some experience. In terms of personal qualities, veterinary assistants need to be patient and empathetic, have excellent communication skills and a reasonable level of physical fitness. The job may sometimes involve lifting heavy equipment or animals so it’s important to be prepared.

Day to day tasks

No two days are the same when it comes to working in a veterinary practice, and that’s what makes the job of a vet assistant so exciting! The main focus is (naturally) the wellbeing of the animals, which makes this role perfect for any animal lover. If you’re thinking of entering the profession and want to know more about what you might be doing day to day, read on to find out more.

Exercising and grooming

Inpatient animals will still require daily exercise (where possible) and grooming to ensure they stay as fit and healthy as possible. Some veterinary practices have their own outdoor space for dogs to exercise and play or you might be required to walk them round the local area. Long haired animals will also need daily grooming to prevent their fur becoming matted, especially if they’ve had an operation which makes it harder for them to groom themselves.

General daily care

This covers the general care of any animals in the practice, including daily feeding, bathing and cleaning out cages. You may also need to weigh animals and make a note of things like their temperature or blood pressure. You’ll need to be comfortable interacting with all different species of animal, from dogs and cats, to small rodents, reptiles and birds.

It’s likely that you’ll have to administer medication too, either by mixing it in with food or placing it directly in the animal’s mouth. Any pet owner will know that this can be tricky, so be prepared for some resistance!

Monitoring inpatient animals

This involves keeping an eye on the general behaviour and health condition of any inpatient animals and reporting back to the vet if necessary. Some animals may need additional treatment or extra care so it’s important to keep detailed records of behaviour, as well as practical information like the animal’s temperature.

Preparing theatre equipment

This includes sterilizing equipment like scalpels and ensuring that the operation room is clean and hygienic for use. This involves cleaning examination tables and all surfaces in the room, including floors.

Restraining animals for treatment

Safely restraining animals during examination or treatment is a very important aspect of the role. This ensures that the animals are kept calm, reduces the chances of them injuring themselves and helps the vet to examine them thoroughly. You’ll need to know how to safely hold animals so that they can’t struggle and help to soothe them if they appear frightened or distressed.

Administrative duties

Some veterinary assistants may perform additional administrative duties, such as scheduling appointments, calling owners with updates on their animal’s health and keeping accurate records and logs. You may also need to reassure worried owners or explain any issues like lack of appointments.

Treatment advice

Owners will often be searching for treatment advice or information about preventative healthcare, such as neutering or flea treatments. It’s important for veterinary assistants to be knowledgeable about these procedures and reassure owners about what’s best for their pet.

You may also be asked to help with more general advice surrounding nutrition and healthcare. This could include how to help a pet lose weight, when to start puppy training or what to do if an animal is having behavioural issues.

Emergency care

The veterinary field can be unpredictable, so vet assistants may need to help out in an emergency at the last minute. This means that you’ll need to be flexible and able to step in at short notice if required. You’ll also need to be able to keep calm under pressure and adapt to emergency scenarios when necessary.

If you’re looking for a veterinary assistant job, get help from the professionals at VetPro Recruitment. Our highly experienced recruiters specialise in matching job seekers with a role to suit them and our extensive database of vacancies can help you find that dream role in no time. We’re also on hand to offer expert advice, from writing your CV, to ensuring that you nail that interview when the time comes.

If you’re a veterinary practice looking to recruit new staff, we can help with that too. We thoroughly screen everyone on our database to ensure that we match you with the most suitable candidate every time. We understand that everyone has different requirements, which is why we pride ourselves on a personal service that’s tailored to your needs. Whether you’re a jobseeker or an employer, if you need help finding a vet care assistant job, recruiting a veterinary nurse or finding that perfect practice for your vet skills, we can help. For more information about any of our recruitment services or to start your job search, give us a call today or visit our website.

Veterinary science can be a very interesting and rewarding field as well as fulfilling your love for animals. But, which role is best for you? If you’re just starting your career in veterinary science or you’re looking for a new position, there are plenty of roles that could suit you.

In this blog, we explain a little more about the most popular roles.

Vet assistant

A veterinary assistant is a very diverse role that involves caring for animals and keeping the veterinary practice running smoothly. Under the supervision of a vet technician, you can expect to be hands-on with the animals as you conduct general animal care, grooming, monitoring and exercising as well as more specialist tasks such as helping with treatment and preparing for surgery. As a vet assistant, the roles may also require you to complete administrative tasks within the practice.

Veterinary nurse

With a focus on caring for sick or injured animals, a veterinary nurse carries out treatments and mini procedures to get animals back in good health. The whole holds a lot of responsibility and varies from day to day. Most commonly, nurses help with administering treatments, testing, preparing animals for surgery, dressing wounds, assisting with surgeries, educating owners on animal health and more.

Animal surgeon

As the name suggests, animals surgeons maintain the health and welfare of a wide range of animals through surgery. This can include procedures such as neutering as well as fixing broken bones and other life-saving surgeries. The role is highly skilled as you play a very important role in any veterinary practice and animals that come into the surgery.

At Vet Pro Recruitment, we match employers with the best job seekers in the veterinary field. We have a comprehensive database throughout the UK, which allows us to accurately match the best suited jobs to your skills and job criteria,  including preferred location. Find your perfect role today. Get in touch with our professional team for more information.

A vet assistant plays an important role in any veterinary practice and is often the first step in the door for those wanting to progress in the field. But, to improve your chances of securing the position you must get prepared. Do a little research and preparation beforehand so you feel confident and well informed as you walk into your interview.

Here are some of the most common interview questions for a vet assistant position.

What made you apply for this position?

Asking what attracted you to the role is a very common question in all kind of interviews. Make sure you’ve looked at the job description thoroughly and link your answer back to this. For example, do you like the varied nature of the role? Does it match your experience? You should also refer to your personal interests to show the role matches your professional and personal preferences.

What type of animals have you worked with?

If you’ve had experience with an assortment of animals this is great! Give a brief overview of the animals you’ve worked with and the role you played in their care. If your experience is limited, tell the interviewer about any ways that you’ve expanded your knowledge of animal care.

Could you give examples from past experience where you restrained aggressive patients proficiently?

Animals can be unpredictable especially when they are in pain or scared. To answer this question, explain a situation where you have done this including important points about staying calm, remains in control and containing your emotions. The interviewer will be trying to understand how you cope under pressure and adapt.

At Vet Pro Recruitment, our professional recruitment team can help you find the right veterinary role. Whether you’re looking for a vet assistant position or similar vacancies, we connect with employers across the UK to find the perfect match. We’ll guide you through the whole process from application to interview prep. Get in touch with us today for more information.

If you love animals, you’ll be glad to hear that the veterinary industry has a whole range of jobs that could be perfectly suited to your interests and skillset. From domestic pets such as cats and dogs to more exotic creatures, caring for animals is a fulfilling job and no two days will be the same.

But which career path is best for you? Well, there are a few important factors to consider when starting out in the animal care industry including your interests, qualifications and career goals. So, before you head into the world of animals, it’s a good idea to do a little research and find out which job is right for you. According to recent statistics, in 2019 there were over 22,000 working vets in the UK, playing a vital role in the future of the profession, however, there are positions within all areas of veterinary practise that are just as important.

In this blog, we explain everything you need to know about careers for animal lovers. If vet care assistant jobs sound good to you or life as a zookeeper is something you’re interested in, read on for a breakdown of the job career paths.

Which veterinary jobs can you choose from?

It isn’t only jobs for vets that make up the animal care industry. Animals have lots of different needs and there are plenty of roles to go alongside this with varied responsibilities. Caring for poorly animals, administering treatments, grooming and welfare checks are just some of the areas that veterinary jobs can involve.

At Vet Pro Recruitment, we’re proud to offer jobs for vets and vet care assistant jobs across the UK. Working closely with employers and job seekers, we’re dedicated to filling the animal care industry with the best people in the business. Take a look at our latest vacancies today to get in touch with us for more information.

Here are some of the top career choices that involve working with animals.

Veterinary nurse

As a veterinary nurse, you will usually work in a veterinary practice alongside the vet surgeon. As one of the first ports of call for pet owners, the role involves handling admin-based tasks such as contacting owners, recording the animal’s information as well as practical responsibilities. When sick animals are brought in, veterinary nurses are there to take care of them by administering treatments, feeding and bathing them alongside assisting with operations. The role is very varied and you are expected to be involved in several areas of the practice.

Qualifications needed:

To become a veterinary nurse there are a couple of pathways you can take. The current veterinary nursing qualification is the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) level three diploma in veterinary nursing. This can be taken as a vocational qualification through a

Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, which can take as little as two years to complete full-time,  as an apprenticeship or at university level on a BSc honours degree in veterinary nursing. To apply, this will usually require a minimum number of GCSEs and A-Levels at A*-C grade.

Vet or animal surgeon

As a fully qualified vet, you may work within a practice, animal hospital or off-site. Some jobs for vets will offer a mix of animal care whereas others can specialise in a particular area they are interested in. The main role of a vet is to diagnose and treat unwell animals including a range of symptoms from broken bones to infections. Animal surgeons will perform surgery alongside veterinary nurses and this can be on pets that owners have brought into the clinic as well as farm animals and exotic creatures.

Qualifications needed:

To become a qualified vet you will need a veterinary degree - which usually requires having A-Levels in at least one science subject such as biology but each university will differ. It is also worth getting as much animal experience as you can through volunteering and work. Study time typically lasts around 5 years and includes both placements and theoretical learning.

Zookeeper

If you’re keen to work with more exotic animals and share your love of wildlife with the public, a zookeeping role could be perfect for you. There are small independent zoos and large zoos all over the UK and as a zookeeper, it will be your responsibility to feed, observe, build trusted relationships with the animals and educate visitors. Being involved in the day to day running of a zoo can be a very interesting job, but as a zookeeper, you will also learn about animal breeding and conservation.

Qualifications needed:

Zookeepers are increasingly qualified to degree level having a university-level understanding of zoology or an animal-related subject such as biology, animal science or animal welfare. Following your university degree, you may find it useful to take a postgraduate course to give yourself a competitive edge but this isn’t compulsory. There are also apprenticeship schemes for zookeeping where you can gain transferable skills for the role.

Kennel or cattery worker

Kennel or cattery workers are there to look after animals that are boarding, for example, if their owners are on holiday or they are waiting to be rehomed. The role involves taking daily care of the animals, conducting training, keeping the kennels clean and completing administrative work too. You will meet pets of natures and breeds every day which can be a fun and diverse role.

Qualifications needed:

There are no particular qualifications needed to be a kennel or cattery worker, however, having a diploma in animal care or welfare will help. If not, having a good amount of experience working with cats and dogs will show employers that you are passionate about animals and well suited to the role.

Dog groomer

If you love dogs, getting into dog grooming could suit you perfectly. This kind of role is not just about making dogs look good, dog groomers also carry out basic health checks on the animals as they are groomed. They can then advise owners on how to care for their dog’s coat inbetween grooming sessions. There is also a creative side to the role as you will need to adapt your grooming skills to suit each animal and the needs of their owners.

Qualifications needed:

To become a dog groomer you can take a certificate or diploma in grooming at college or as an apprenticeship. Each role will ask for different levels of training and you will get a lot of on the job training too. As well as getting your qualifications, being a groomer also requires patience, good communication and independence.

Vet Pro Recruitment: Veterinary Nurse Jobs and More Across the UK

At Ve tPro Recruitment, we specialise in veterinary recruitment throughout the UK, matching jobseekers to relevant employers nationwide. Whether you’re looking for your next challenge in the veterinary industry or you’re trying to secure your first role, we have a database of excellent employers offering a range of vacancies.

We understand how difficult it can be securing your next job, but our dedicated team are here to help. After understanding your needs, we’ll get to work finding the right vacancies and helping you prepare for your interview. For employers, you can rest assured that we only put forward the best candidates for the role. Our contacts stretch across the UK including veterinary nurses, surgeons and more so your position can be filled quickly.

If you’re looking for jobs for vets, look no further than Vet Pro Recruitment. We’re passionate about animal care, understand the requirements and aim to help both job seekers and employers. Get in touch today for more information about our services.

The veterinary industry offers a wide range of jobs for anyone interested in working with animals, including roles as a veterinary nurse or surgeon. Education and training is of course vital if you’re looking to enter the veterinary industry, but personal qualities are important too.

It’s important to choose a role that suits your strengths and personality type, so if you’re thinking about choosing a veterinary career, read on to discover some of the specific qualities you’ll need.

Compassion

Compassion and sensitivity is key, as well as a genuine passion and love for animals. You’ll often be working with unwell animals and worried owners, so you’ll need to be kind and sensitive. This includes treating animals in a soothing, calm manner and being sensitive to owner’s worries and concerns.

Good communication

Strong communication skills are essential, as vets often have to explain scientific procedures or treatment options in a way that’s relatable for owners. You may also need to delegate and give instructions to staff if you’re a veterinary surgeon or head of a practice.

Decision making

The work of a vet is highly varied and you’ll often need to make decisions quickly. This includes choosing which methods to use to treat injuries or illnesses, including in an emergency when you’re likely to be under increased pressure. You’ll also need to be confident in making difficult decisions, such as when to euthanize animals.

Problem solving

It’s likely that you’ll encounter many cases that don’t have an immediately obvious diagnosis or solution. Vets need to possess excellent problem solving skills to identify what’s ailing the animals brought into their care. You’ll also need strong diagnostic skills when it comes to choosing the right treatments and drug therapies.

If you need help securing the perfect role for your veterinary career, get in touch with the experts at VetPro Recruitment. Browse the latest vacancies using our online database or get in touch with one of our highly experienced recruiters for help matching you with the best role. We treat each case individually and are committed to finding you a role that ideally suits your skill set and qualifications. For more information about how we can help, give us a call today or register now via our website.

Just as with human medicine, there are several techniques veterinarians use in order to improve your pet’s health. Your vet will be able to appropriately diagnose your animal's condition and advise on a course of treatment based on your pet's symptoms, age, medical record, species, behaviour as well as your preferences for them.

Your veterinarian will be able to carry out certain treatments, but in more complicated scenarios, your pet may have to be referred to a veterinary specialist with more extensive experience and a specific skill set.

With this in mind, here in this blog, we are going to explore the many types of medical treatments a vet can offer your animal.

A vet surgeon's job: What is the process for seeking treatment?

Medicinal treatments

In specific circumstances, veterinarians will advise medicinal treatments for animals. Some of the most common drug treatments for pets include:

Anthelmintics

These are frequently used to eliminate parasitic worms, which infest their systems and steal important nutrients from the body.

Dermatological treatments 

Oral, topical, or injected medications can be used to treat common skin and ear conditions in pets.

Central nervous system treatment

Drugs such as aminocaproic acid or potassium bromide can be prescribed to support animals suffering from seizures or epilepsy.

Respiratory drugs

A range of medications can be used for animals who are suffering from respiratory issues. For example, a veterinarian might prescribe inhaled or oral steroids to assist animals suffering from asthma or other disorders that cause wheezing.

Antibiotics

These medications support animals' systems to fight infection and disease. They can be used once an illness is diagnosed, or a veterinarian might prescribe them preventively before surgery.

Kidney medicine 

Lots of animals are prone to kidney issues and these treatments can help slow or stop the progress of these disorders.

Ophthalmological medication

Oral medications or eye drops can be used to treat infection and other ocular issues, for example, cataracts and glaucoma.

Behavioural modification treatment

If your animal appears neurotic, obsessive, or particularly aggressive and other treatments have not worked, your veterinarian may prescribe behavioural modifiers like antidepressants or antipsychotics.

Cardiovascular treatments

These can be used to treat many conditions relating to heart or blood vessels.

Hormone medications

Veterinarians often prescribe these to assist animals with reproductive issues.

Painkillers

These medications are available to help animals with chronic conditions or those recovering from major procedures.

Chemotherapy

These chemical compounds can help destroy cancer cells.

Vitamins and Supplements

Just like people, animals can occasionally benefit from taking vitamins and supplements, nutrients and organic compounds that can help strengthen bodily function. Veterinarians most often recommend them for ageing animals or those with long-term chronic conditions, but any animal can take these oral, topical, or injected substances.

Multivitamins

These can help balance an animal's diet and their overall nutrition.

Probiotics

These help support digestive function.

Supplements for arthritis

Glucosamine, calcium, green tea, and vitamin-E can help your pet’s joints function well.

Antioxidants

These can help support symptoms of ageing and reduce animals' risk of developing cancer.

Omega-3 fatty acids

These healthy oils can make animals' fur thicker and more healthy, as well as limiting excessive shedding.

Weight Management

Research indicates that nearly 60 percent of cats and dogs may be overweight. Animals typically become obese due to overfeeding, lack of sufficient exercise. Being overweight may predispose animals to joint issues, diabetes, heart disease, digestive problems, liver disorders, cancer, and other medical issues. In addition, it can lower an animal's longevity as well as their overall wellbeing. Pets may also be underweight because of animal anorexia, certain disorders, or psychological issues.

If your pet is experiencing issues with their weight your veterinarian will most likely recommend a customized weight management treatment plan, which will likely include:

Dietary alterations

The key factor in your pet's weight is their diet. Monitoring the amount of fat, protein, and fibre in your animal's food can help it gain or lose weight.

Increase or decrease in exercise and activity

Occasionally animals can be underweight due to excessive activity and should spend more time resting. Overweight or obese pets will need to be played with, walked, and exercised more rigorously or often.

Medications

Your vet may offer drugs that stimulate or suppress an animal's appetite to assist with weight management. Some vitamins and supplements may also achieve this effect.

Veterinary Surgery

Surgical intervention may be needed for pets that experience more severe issues. Varying on the complexity of the case, a general veterinarian or surgical specialist might perform these procedures. Some common veterinary surgeries may include tumour removal, tooth extraction, traumatic injury care often from bites or scratches, or skin condition repair, often for abscesses or ulcers.

Veterinary surgery treatment involves the following:

Diagnostic testing

Veterinarians often use this technique to figure out the root cause of the issue, assess the animal's baseline, and plan the procedure appropriately.

Anaesthesia

Local or topical anaesthesia can be carried to numb a condensed space when oral or intravenous sedation helps your animal remain calm and comfortable. Some veterinarians may also prescribe muscle relaxants or use massage techniques during a procedure to keep an animal calm.

Incisions

In the event of an incision, your veterinarian needs to open your animal's skin to modify tissue underneath. They will do so in as minimally invasive a fashion as possible. Varying on the extent of your animal's condition and your doctor's expertise, the incision can be made using a thin blade, small laparoscopic instrument attached to a camera.

Tissue modification

Your veterinarian or surgical specialist might have to remove, adjust, or repair skin, fat, muscle, bone, or other tissue to improve an animal's condition.

Suturing

Frequent or dissolvable stitches can close the wound for proper healing. Your doctor may also sanitize the site and may place prophylactic antibiotics. Your practitioner will explain the specific aspects of your animal's procedure at your pet's pre-operative consultation.

Vetpro-Recruitment - We can Help you Find the Right Veterinary Job for you

The team at VetPro Recruitment comprises highly experienced recruiters offering a friendly, professional and efficient recruitment experience.

With an extensive database of veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, and other veterinary staff, we are able to quickly and efficiently screen the right person for your veterinary practice, whether it be a small animal, equine, or mixed.

We have a database of high-quality veterinary vacancies throughout the UK. we realise that everyone is different, we recognise this, our service is always personal and friendly, and, with our understanding of your job expectations and desires, we are able to quickly secure your next position.

Our service is never intrusive or impersonal. We balance our communication between regular updating phone calls and “hot vacancy” alerts by email, allowing us to inform you of the newest positions as soon as they become available, which is useful during a busy working day.

As a specialist veterinary recruitment company, we offer the latest permanent and contract vacancies. Our teams of skilled veterinary recruiters are dedicated to understanding your needs and skill set to find the best job for you quickly and efficiently. To find out more about the services we offer, please feel free to contact us today, we’d be happy to help with any enquiries you may have.

A career in the veterinary industry is a dream for many and statistics show that there were almost 29,000 veterinarians employed in the UK in 2020. Training for a veterinary career can be lengthy and involve a lot of hard work, so naturally you want your hard-earned studies to pay off.

Whether you’ve trained as a veterinary nurse, surgeon or anesthesiologist, acing that job interview is the next step after completing your studies. Job interviews are nerve wracking for a lot of people, but with the right preparation, you can ensure that you’re calm and confident. If you’re starting out in the world of veterinary medicine, read on for our top tips to help you ace that interview.

Prep for frequently asked questions

It’s impossible to predict the exact questions that each potential employer will ask, but you can definitely prepare for some frequently asked ones. One of the most important things to think about is why you want the job - what is it that you’re passionate about? Other frequently asked questions include why you applied for that particular practice or company, how you’d deal with difficult clients and how you’d handle a difficult situation e.g euthaniasia.

Research the company or practice

Always research the place you’re having the interview at to help give you a better idea of what to expect. This can calm your nerves and help you decide whether the company is a good fit for you - remember, you’re almost interviewing them too to see if the job is right. Research also shows that you care and have taken some time to get to know the company; plus you’ll be less likely to be caught out by questions about the company itself.

Have a few questions of your own

Leading on from the point above, it’s always a good idea to prepare a few questions of your own. Interviewers will usually set aside a few minutes at the end to give you time to ask any questions you may have. If you’re feeling stuck, some good general questions to ask include:

• What are the opportunities for growth in this position?
• What are your plans for the business/practice over the next few years and how would I fit into that?
• What do you enjoy most about working here?

Are you a job seeker looking for the latest veterinary vacancies? If so, browse the range of veterinary jobs with our database at VetPro Recruitment. We’ll accurately match you with the best jobs suited to your skill set, job criteria and preferred location, and we’ll work with you to help secure that dream role. From assessing what you're looking for to helping you prep for an interview, we’re with you each step of the way, so give us a call today or contact us via our website.

Training to become a vet requires a lot of discipline and hard work, including studying for a five year degree. Many vets choose to spend a few years working in a general practice after they qualify, but you can also choose to specialise if there’s an area of veterinary medicine that you’re particularly interested in. 

Specialising in one area requires further time and hard work and in most cases you’ll need to complete an internship, diploma, residency, or a mix of all three. However, becoming a specialist can be highly rewarding and many vets enjoy being able to offer particular skills or care in one specific area. There are dozens of specialist disciplines to choose from, so discover more about just a few of the common areas below.

Cardiology

Specialists in veterinary cardiology work to diagnose and treat animals with cardiac conditions, such as heart failure, heart muscle disease, congenital heart defects and high blood pressure . They also carry out specialist techniques and procedures, including pacemaker implantation, management of acute heart failure and treatment of vascular stenosis.

Small animal surgery

Small animal veterinarians typically work with domestic pets, such as cats, dogs, rabbits, birds and reptiles. Duties include operating on sick or injured animals, neutering operations, diagnosing illnesses, giving vaccinations and advising owners about general health care. Vets may also have to euthanize animals or carry out diagnostic tests.

Zoo animals

Zoo veterinarians specialise in the treatment of exotic animals held in captivity. Their duties include many of those mentioned above, such a surgery, giving vaccinations, blood tests and prescribing medication, and they may also treat wounds or provide teeth cleaning for animals like big cats. Specialists in zoo animals work with an exciting range of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, tigers, reptiles and many more.

Neurology

Vets who specialise in neurology diagnose and treat conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. They help pets with a diverse range of conditions, including seizures, trapped nerves, loss of limb function and loss of balance.

If you need help landing the perfect vet role for you, get in touch with the team at VetPro Recruitment. We offer specialist recruitment for vets and vet nurses and help match jobseekers with the ideal role for their skillset. Our online database lists the latest vacancies, including permanent and contract roles, and we can also help employers find the right person for their practice. If you’re a jobseeker, register now and discover how we could help.

If you’re passionate about animal care and want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine then preparing for your first interview is essential. Landing your first job is a big step and a learning curve. With the right preparation, you can make your first interview successful and gain some useful knowledge that will help you with your job hunt!

Here are four top tips that you can follow.

Make notes

Before your interview, it is important to do a little research on the practice, the job role and any other relevant information. Write a few bullet points for each section is read over them in the lead up to your interview so they’re fresh in your mind. Being prepared will make a big difference in how you present yourself as you may seem uninterested if you don’t put the work in!

Prepare examples of your experience

It’s very likely that the interviewer will want to know more about your experience or will ask questions about how you’ve dealt with certain situations. Try and think of some relevant examples beforehand so you aren’t wracking your brain in the middle of the interview. Even if you don’t have an example that exactly matches the question, you can speak about occasions when you’ve done something similar and how your skills are relevant.

Write down some questions

The end of the interview will be your opportunity to ask some questions - remember, the employee is there to sell themselves as much as you are! Ask genuine questions about the role, practice, training opportunities or anything else that will show you are engaged with the process. Staying quiet could give off the wrong impression to always prepare at least three questions to ask!

Be confident

Your first interview will be a little nerve-wracking but think positively and be confident! There’s a reason why you were invited to the interview so now is your time to shine and show the employer what you’re made of. Think every answer through carefully and you’ll feel great when it’s finished.

At Vet Pro Recruitment, we work with employers and job seekers to find the best match for veterinary roles across the UK. Our large database includes some of the most reputable employers and amazing roles that will meet your career goals whether you’re looking for your first job or a step up from your current position. VetPro recruitment have the knowledge and expertise to assist you in several areas! Call 01392 824667 today for more information.