Small Animal Veterinary Jobs

Small animal vets work with companion animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, lizards and other animals kept as pets. Small animal vets usually have a clinic where they can meet with owners by appointment to examine their pets and make a diagnosis.

Typical duties for small animal vets include examinations and prescribing medication, giving vaccinations and performing procedures like neutering/spaying. Other duties could include cleaning teeth, performing routine health examinations, diagnostics with x-ray and ultrasound and dealing with birth problems and reproductive health for breeding animals.

How much can you earn as a Small Animal Veterinarian?

In the United States, salaries for small animal vets generally range from $80,000 to $160,000 annually. New graduates might start around $100,000 or above, with experienced veterinarians earning upwards of $140,000 or more, especially if they work in high-demand urban areas or specialized clinics.

In the United Kingdom, small animal vet salaries generally range from £35,000 ($44,000) to £80,000 ($89,000) per year, with plenty of employment opportunities in both corporate and independent practices.

Where can you work as a companion animal veterinarian?

Small animal veterinarians predominantly work in urban and suburban areas, where the demand for pet care services is high.

From the challenges of emergency callouts and complex surgery to working in highly specialised areas including exotic animals, the life of a small animal veterinary surgeon is never dull, with the added bonus that you can work anywhere in the world!

Find your Ideal Small Animal Veterinarian Role with The Vet Service

The Vet Service have pet veterinary jobs across the US, Australia, the UK, Ireland, Canada and New Zealand. Our specialist team can assist with registration, visa eligibility & advice, licensing, contracts & taxation, salary guidance and more.

We do not always list all of our small animal vet vacancies on our site, so please speak to one of our specialist advisors today if you can’t see a job you like by contacting us or registering below.