For veterinary surgeons considering a move to the UK, understanding what a typical workday looks like can help set expectations. Whether you're working in a small animal clinic or out in the field with horses and farm animals, each sector presents unique challenges and rewards. Here, we explore the daily routine of vets in different fields and how UK veterinary work culture compares to other countries.
A Day in the Life of a Small Animal Vet (example only)
Most small animal vets in the UK work in general practice, handling a mix of consultations, surgeries, and emergencies.
8:30 AM – Morning Consultations
• The day starts with a morning consultation block, usually lasting until midday.
• Appointments typically last 10–15 minutes, covering vaccinations, health checks, and cases like skin conditions, lameness, or digestive issues.
• Walk-in emergencies, such as a dog that’s eaten chocolate or a cat struggling to breathe, can quickly change the schedule.
12:00 PM – Surgery & Diagnostics
• Midday is often reserved for surgical procedures. Routine surgeries include neutering, dental work, lump removals, and exploratory laparotomies.
• Diagnostic tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and blood work are often carried out at this time.
2:00 PM – Follow-ups & Afternoon Consultations
• The afternoon involves more consultations, reviewing test results, and managing ongoing treatments.
• Emergencies, such as a road traffic accident or a dog with a gastric torsion, can disrupt planned appointments.
6:00–7:00 PM – Closing Time (or Not?)
• Most clinics close by early evening, but out-of-hours (OOH) shifts may still be required, particularly in smaller practices or emergency hospitals.
A Day in the Life of an Equine & Farm Vet (example only)
Equine and farm animal vets work predominantly in the field, traveling between yards and farms. The day is highly unpredictable, with emergencies often reshaping the schedule.
8:00 AM – Routine Yard & Farm Visits
• The day begins with pre-scheduled visits, such as equine vaccinations, dental checks, or lameness evaluations.
• On farms, vets carry out herd health checks, pregnancy diagnosis (via ultrasound), and fertility work for dairy cows.
• Farm vets also advise on disease prevention, nutrition, and improving productivity.
12:00 PM – Emergency Call-Outs
• Midday often brings the unexpected—colic in a horse, a difficult calving, or a severe wound requiring urgent treatment.
• Equine vets may also perform pre-purchase examinations or carry out diagnostic imaging, such as portable X-rays and ultrasounds.
• Farm emergencies include uterine prolapses, milk fever, or a downed cow needing urgent intervention.
3:00 PM – Specialist Work & Advisory Services
• The afternoon often involves more complex cases, such as lameness workups, endoscopic exams, or advanced reproductive procedures.
• Farm vets may assist with tuberculosis (TB) testing, which is a legal requirement in many regions.
6:00 PM – Finishing Up (Maybe)
• Paperwork, client phone calls, and medical records need attention before finishing for the day.
• Many equine and farm vets participate in on-call rotations, meaning late-night emergencies—such as foaling complications or a cow with a twisted stomach—are common.
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How Does Veterinary Work Culture in the UK Compare to Other Countries?
1. Emphasis on Work-Life Balance
• The UK veterinary sector is becoming increasingly aware of burnout, leading to better work schedules, especially in small animal practice.
• Many practices now offer a 4-day workweek, but equine and farm vets still face long hours and frequent OOH shifts.
2. High Client Expectations
• UK pet owners often treat their animals as family members and expect thorough communication about treatment options.
• Veterinary care is private, so vets must balance medical recommendations with what clients can afford.
• In contrast, in some countries, veterinary care is subsidized or has lower client expectations regarding advanced treatments.
3. CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Requirements
• UK vets must complete 35 hours of CPD annually, ensuring they stay updated with medical advancements.
• While this enhances professional growth, it also adds to workload pressures.
4. Strict Legal & Ethical Standards
• UK vets must adhere to the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct, which regulates everything from prescribing medications to maintaining clinical records.
• Unlike in some countries, there are strict rules regarding controlled drug use and client confidentiality.
Working as a vet in the UK offers an exciting and varied career, whether in small animal, equine, or farm practice. Each sector comes with unique challenges, but all require strong clinical skills, adaptability, and a passion for animal welfare. The work culture in the UK balances high client expectations with an increasing focus on work-life balance and ongoing professional development.
For vets considering a move to the UK, being aware of these daily realities can help in making informed decisions and ensuring a smooth transition into practice.
To discuss this in more detail email contactus@vettedrecruitment.co.uk