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Vet Vacancies in New Zealand & Worldwide

Veterinary Vacancies in New Zealand

The Vet Service offer a range of Jobs in New Zealand for you to explore. We pride ourselves in our digital and personal relationships with our New Zealand Vet practices. Whether you are a new graduate or more experienced there are many roles and positions such as locum roles, farm animal, small animal or Vet Nurse roles for you to choose from.

We have Vet vacancies in all these New Zealand provinces:
Auckland – Waikato – Gisborne – Wellington – Canterbury – Otago – Southland.

If your choice of destination is not included above, we are sure to have an option close to where you prefer!

How Much Do Vets Earn in New Zealand?

Newly-qualified Veterinary Surgeons in New Zealand usually earn NZD$75K and above per year, whilst experienced Veterinarians usually earn up to NZD $140K per year.

Vet Nurses in New Zealand can earn up to NZD$55K.

We work with many practices who may cover relocation costs for you and offer contract incentives to help you financially settle into your new life in New Zealand.

What is the Work/Life Balance for Vets in New Zealand?

Working in a Veterinary role and having a positive work/life balance is sometimes hard to get right. In New Zealand, the Veterinary industry takes great pride in trying to strike the perfect balance. Working hard is important whilst also looking after yourself mentally and physically is also focused on.

Lots of roles offer employees perks such as further education and more holidays than standard. If this is something that is important to you, you also may want to consider locum opportunities which offers flexibility in the workplace.

New Zealand is famous for its laidback lifestyle, with a big focus on outdoor living, whether it be surfing, skiing, mountain climbing or just relaxing and enjoying the view!

What are the Legal Requirements to Practice Veterinary in New Zealand?

To practice as or represent yourself as a Veterinarian in New Zealand you must be registered with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ) and hold a current practising certificate.

All applicants must satisfy the Council that they can communicate in and understand English to an appropriate standard for practising as a Veterinarian in New Zealand. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of English competency by sitting and passing an approved English test to the required level.

Do Veterinarians Need a Work Visa for New Zealand?

Before you start work in New Zealand, as a Vet or Vet Nurse, you need to ensure that you have an appropriate visa if you are not a New Zealand citizen.

With the New Zealand government acknowledging a skills shortage for home-grown veterinarians, there is a huge demand for international candidates helping to smooth the visa application process.

Please contact the Department of Immigration in New Zealand for further information. If you are aged between 18 and 35 years you may also be eligible for a working holiday visa for New Zealand, this is depending on eligibility. Here at The Vet Service, we can point you in the right direction for an appropriate Visa.

Are Relocation Fees Available?

If you are relocating to New Zealand, you may be concerned about the fees for the initial travel and set up in a new country. At The Vet Service, we have many roles with veterinary practices that contribute to some or all these costs.

Relocation packages can include one-off relocation payments, return flight costs, accommodation and/or vehicle provided, professional fees & further certificates paid, sponsored visas & immigration agent fees paid.

Why Work as a Veterinarian in New Zealand?

  • Wide variety in types of work available, large agricultural sector including dairy and sheep farming predominately in the South Island with lots of opportunities to progress in your career.
  • Small animal work found in the busier, urban areas such as Christchurch, Wellington or Auckland which offer a more modern, multicultural experience.
  • New Zealand is a wonderful country to live in – experience a unique landscape with unlimited outdoor adventure opportunities such as snowboarding, mountain climbing and surfing with friendly, laid-back people to welcome you!
What our clients say

"My Advisor was fantastic, The whole digital process was very smooth and my contracts delivered expertly. I am looking forward to an improved work/life balanced and the trip of a lifetime."