Explore careers

Useful experience for veterinary nurses includes:

• any work with animals, for example, as an SPCA volunteer or kennel hand
• voluntary work for a veterinary practice.

Veterinary nurses may do some or all of the following:

• perform duties, such as taking and developing x-rays, collecting blood samples, and testing animals for pregnancy, under the direction of veterinarians
• assist during surgical procedures, including monitoring the anaesthetic
• clean, sterilise and prepare surgical instruments and other equipment used during operations
• perform diagnostic tests and keep records
• feed and exercise animals
• carry out administrative and receptionist duties at a clinic and give advice to clients over the phone
• clean the cages and surgery areas, and carry out general cleaning duties
• accompany and assist veterinarians on call-outs to locations such as houses and farms.

Shortage of veterinarians creates opportunities for veterinary nurses

Demand for veterinary nurses is expected to grow due to vet clinics employing more veterinary support workers to cope with a shortage of veterinarians. Veterinary nurses and rural animal technicians are increasingly taking on some tasks that veterinarians have traditionally done.

New Zealand has about 800 veterinary practices, ranging from small practices employing one or two veterinary nurses to larger practices with 20 staff or more.

According to the Census, 2,145 veterinary nurses worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Opportunities vary depending on location and season

Work opportunities for veterinary nurses are best in Auckland, or large urban areas, while rural animal technicians have more opportunities in rural areas.

Demand for rural animal technicians on dairy farms increases before and during calving season between April and October, and many rural animal technicians work on fixed-term contracts during this period.

Chances best for experienced veterinary nurses

Your chances of securing a job are best if you have veterinary nursing experience.

Graduates can improve their chances of securing a full-time job by taking part-time veterinary nursing jobs or receptionist roles at vet clinics.

Most veterinary nurses work at veterinary practices

Veterinary nurses usually work at veterinary practices.

Other employers include:

• companies that sell animal and veterinary products
• tertiary education providers such as polytechnics
• government agencies such as the Department of Conservation and Ministry for Primary Industries
• kennels and catteries
• animal shelters
• pet stores
• zoos
• organisations involved in animal research.

Some veterinary nurses are self-employed.

New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association

0800 868 773 - www.nzvna.org.nz

Veterinary nurses can move into related areas, such as animal pharmaceutical sales and laboratory work, or progress into managerial positions.

With further training, they may progress to become veterinarians.

• Veterinarian job information

Veterinary nurses can specialise in roles such as:

Rural Animal Technician

Rural animal technicians help assess, care for and treat large animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, deer and pigs.

Veterinary Technologist

Veterinary technologists help assess, care for and treat both large and small animals, and do some tasks traditionally done by veterinarians.

Veterinary nurses need to be:

• good communicators
• able to handle stressful emergency situations
• empathetic, patient and concerned for animals
• organised
• able to show initiative.

Veterinary nurses must also be able to deal with the process of putting an animal down (euthanasia) and providing support to clients during this difficult time.