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Increasing number of vets working part-time, survey finds
Over a quarter of veterinary surgeons are now working part-time.
This year’s Survey of the Veterinary Profession has been published.

The percentage of veterinary surgeons working part-time is increasing, the latest Survey of the Veterinary Profession from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has revealed.

This year’s survey showed that the figure has grown to 27 per cent. This compares to 23 per cent in the 2019 survey and 19 per cent in the 2014 survey.

The number has increased for both men and women working in the profession. According to the survey, 34 per cent of female veterinary surgeons now work part-time, while 17 per cent of male veterinary surgeons also do so.

The statistics are among a number of key findings from the survey, which has been carried out by the Institute for Employment Studies on behalf of the RCVS to provide information on the state of the profession and help inform the college’s next Strategic Plan. A total of 6,987 responses were received from veterinary surgeons.

The survey also found that there was an increase in the percentage of veterinary surgeons who graduated in the UK compared to the previous survey, with the figure rising from 64 per cent in 2019 to 73 per cent this year.

On issues facing the profession, there was a rise in the number of veterinary surgeons who saw the affordability of veterinary care as one of the top three issues. The other two issues that made the top three were stress levels and client expectations.

The survey also found that 34 per cent of respondents said they had been harassed or bullied by clients in the last 12 months.

A report of the findings of the survey has been published alongside a report on the Survey of the Veterinary Nursing Profession.

Lizzie Lockett, RCVS chief executive officer, said: “We look forward now to taking some of the key learnings and suggestions forward to our next Strategic Plan which we are in the process of finalising and will publish early in 2025.”

The full report can be read here.

Image © Shutterstock

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here. 

Click here for more...
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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.