Veterinary nurses (VNs) work alongside veterinary surgeons in order to provide a high standard of care for animals. VNs normally work within a veterinary surgery or veterinary hospital and are involved in a wide range of care and treatment. They provide skilled supportive care for sick animals as well as undertaking minor surgery, medical treatments and diagnostic tests under veterinary supervision. VNs also play an important role in the education of owners in good standards of animal care.
They work mainly with domestic animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, caged birds and small reptiles. They may also work with horses and farm animals, although there is not such a widespread demand for qualifications in these areas.
Qualified veterinary nurses must register on the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons List of Veterinary Nurses in order to undertake the full range of practice permitted by legislation. Entry to the List is regulated by the RCVS, which works closely with the SSC to set appropriate qualification standards. Nurses may train and register as either small animal or equine veterinary nurses.
Veterinary nursing is part of the animal care sector and can provide a career progression for people working within other animal care businesses.
Digging deeper
Our research helps us to ensure education and training is relevant to your industry. We study the skills and labour requirements of the veterinary nursing industry, and ensure these needs are met through your training.
For more detailed information, read the veterinary nursing Sector Skills Agreement Report and Annex here.
