Locum Work: Pros, Cons and Other Considerations for Vets in 2026

If you’re a vet looking to move from a permanent role to locum work, could now be a smart time to make the switch?

The UK veterinary sector has been recovering from significant workforce pressures in recent years. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons estimates that the workforce met around 90% of demand in 2023, with supply expected to improve over the next decade. However, there are still shortages in certain areas, particularly in public health and government roles, meaning recruitment and retention remain ongoing challenges.

At the same time, pet ownership across the nation remains high – with almost two thirds of all UK households own at least one pet – keeping the demand for veterinary workers consistently strong. As a result, many practises are continuing to rely on locum vets to maintain flexibility and cover all gaps.

If you’ve got the veterinary experience (two years in the UK as a starting point), and the ability to adapt (i.e., walk into a new clinic, quickly learn their systems and begin producing immediately) then you’re in a strong position to start working as a locum.

So, what are the pros and cons of locum work?

The Pros of Locum…

Flexibility and Control

One of the biggest “selling” points of locum work is control over your rota, clinic and schedule. This doesn’t mean you can work where, when and as often as you like as there will likely be some compromising involved, but it does give you significantly more control over your schedule, making you more involved in the decision process and increasing job satisfaction.

Potentially higher day rates

Locum workers tend to earn higher day rates compared to salaried roles.  On an hourly or daily basis, a locum would and should earn more than their permanently employed counterparts.

Contracts!

Again, control within reason. As a locum you will have a notice period – however, it is usually far shorter than a permanent contract, creating more flexibility and control over contracts should you decide to leave.

More exposure to different environments

Working across different clinics exposes you to a wide range of cases, teams, and systems. You’ll very quickly build a broader skill set and become more adaptable as a clinician.

Independence

You get to go in to do the job, without worrying about workplace politics, performance reviews, or internal processes. For a lot of vets, that simplicity is a big sigh of relief and is enough reason by itself to go locum!

And the Cons…

Less stability

As a locum, work isn’t always guaranteed. Demands will vary and you will need to compromise at times in things like distance to travel, daily rates or clinics, or go without work until you find something that fits your requirements.

Limited career progression

It’s harder to climb the career ladder as a locum, whereas permanent roles typically offer clearer routes into senior, specialist, or leadership positions. More senior roles are typically filled internally, so if leadership progression is something you are interested in, locum works well at the start of your career to gather a broader understanding of the veterinary industry, but there will likely be a point where moving to a permanent role to progress will be the better decision for you.

Less support and CPD

With locum work, you’re usually expected to hit the ground running, without the structured mentoring, funded CPD, and development plans that usually come with permanent roles.

Team bonding

When you’re not permanent, it’s usually harder to build long-term relationships with colleagues and clients, which could feel isolating for some. This is something to consider – whether to choose the benefits of schedule control and greater financial gain over potential long-term relationships that may benefit you in the future.

Admin responsibilities

You’ll often need to handle your own taxes, invoicing, and finances, which adds an extra layer of responsibility that those in salaried roles don’t have to worry about.

Constant adjustment

Each clinic has their own systems, workflows, and expectations, which you’ll need to adapt to. Even with tools like Provet Cloud, there’s usually a learning curve, which can be mentally demanding over time.

Once you’ve considered the pros and cons…

The next step is understanding how to set yourself up properly, both financially and practically.

Structure
Most locum vets work either as a sole trader (self-employed) or through a limited company. Sole trader setups are usually simpler and quicker to manage, while limited companies can offer greater tax efficiency depending on your earnings.

Taxation (UK)
If you earn more than £1,000 in a tax year, you’ll need to register for Self-Assessment with HMRC and manage your own tax returns.

IR35 regulations
Understanding IR35 is important. You need to be correctly classified as self-employed, rather than a “disguised employee”, in order to avoid potential issues down the line!

Getting paid
Locums are usually paid in one of three ways:

• Directly by the practice
• Through an agency
• Via an umbrella company

If you’re unsure which route is best, it’s worth reviewing verified providers to make sure you’re working with compliant and reputable companies.

Ready to make the move? Let us help you!

At Tempus Veterinary Recruitment, we make things as simple and stress-free as possible.

You could go direct to practices, but many locums choose to work with agencies to streamline the process and access a wider range of roles. With us, you’ll find:

A wide range of roles
Small animal, mixed, large animal, ECC, and hospital-based positions.

Flexible booking options
From ad hoc shifts to long-term placements and block bookings.

Ongoing support
Dedicated consultants available to help manage bookings, paperwork, and provide guidance on things like IR35 and compliance.

Competitive rates
Recent roles have included day rates of around £400 for vets in London and the Southeast, and £22 per hour for RVNs.

A simple process
Our service is free for candidates, with a focus on matching you to roles that suit your lifestyle and preferences.

Locum work might not be for everyone, but for the right vet, at the right stage of their career, it can offer a level of freedom, variety, and earning potential that permanent roles rarely match.

The important thing is going in prepared. We’ll help you understand the trade-offs, get your setup right, and choose the right partners to support you along the way.

Sound good? Contact us today.