Good opportunities for veterinarians
Opportunities for new graduates and experienced veterinarians are good because there are not enough to meet demand, particularly in rural areas.
As a result, veterinarian appears on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list. This means the government is actively encouraging skilled veterinarians from overseas to work in New Zealand.
According to the Census, 2,475 veterinarians worked in New Zealand in 2018.
The Ministry for Primary Industries offers a bonding scheme for newly qualified veterinarians willing to work in particular areas.
Shortage of veterinarians has many causes
The shortage of veterinarians is due to:
- limits on trainee numbers
- growing demand for veterinarian services, particularly in mixed animal practices
- qualified veterinarians moving overseas for higher pay
- qualified veterinarians leaving the job due to the high workload.
About 60% of graduates start work in mixed (farm animal and pet) practices, mainly in smaller towns. However, rural practices still find it hard to attract veterinarians because the work often involves long hours and is physically demanding.
Graduates can find roles quickly if they're prepared to be flexible about their hours and where they work.
Types of employers varied
About 40% of veterinarians work in mixed rural practices and 40% work in urban practices, which mainly deal with pets. Practices can be small, with just one or two veterinarians, or large, with up to 20 staff.
Veterinarians may also work for:
- companies or government agencies
- the Ministry for Primary Industries
- AgResearch
- universities
- wildlife services, such as zoos and sanctuaries for endangered animals
- organisations such as DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb NZ
- diagnostic laboratories
- animal health companies.
Veterinarians can also be self-employed, working as locums and contractors.
