Why More UK Vets Are Considering Careers Abroad in 2026

We’ve seen a growing trend amongst UK veterinary professionals to take their skills and expertise abroad.

Though there’s no definitive data showing that dramatically more UK vets are moving abroad now than, say, ten years ago, current workforce and exit-survey data suggests that international mobility now plays a larger role in veterinary career decisions than it did in the past.

According to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Exit Survey 2022–2024, 40% of vets leaving the UK-practising category said they were moving or remaining overseas, making it the single most common reason for leaving UK practice.

That said, it’s worth noting that figures around vets leaving the UK workforce don’t always tell the full story. Some of these numbers may reflect vets from overseas returning to their home countries. For example, we are seeing more vets from countries such as Spain and Italy choosing to move back home, which may have an impact on overall workforce and retention data.

Still, whether it’s UK-trained vets seeking new opportunities abroad or overseas-qualified vets returning home, the data points to an increasingly international profession.

Why Are UK Vets Looking Overseas?

There isn’t really a main reason why vets choose to move abroad… instead, the trend seems to reflect wider changes taking place across the profession.

noticed growing interest among new graduates in exploring overseas opportunities. While there are roles available in the UK, many are within structured corporate programmes, and competition for these placements can be very high. At the same time, because newly qualified vets require support through the VetGDP, practices need a trained adviser and appropriate approval in place, which isn’t something all independent practices can provide.

Because of this, we’re seeing more graduates look beyond the UK market altogether. And when overseas employers can offer structured mentoring, competitive salaries and clear progression pathways during the early stages of their careers, not to mention the independence of living in a different country, it’s easy to see why.

Popular Destinations for UK Vets

Outside of Europe, countries such as Australia and New Zealand remain among the most popular destinations for UK veterinary professionals moving abroad.

Lifestyle appeal, as always, is a major factor, as many UK vets are attracted by warmer climates, outdoor living, and a seemingly healthier work-life balance. Flexible working cultures and strong demand for veterinary professionals have also helped make these countries especially appealing.

The transition can also feel more accessible for UK-trained vets due to established relocation pathways, the lack of language barriers, and similarities in veterinary accreditation standards.

Reciprocal arrangements between the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council allow many UK veterinary graduates to practise in Australia and New Zealand without requiring additional qualifications.

For many DVMs, temporary contracts and short-term overseas placements in these countries also provide a valuable chance to gain a wealth of international experience without needing to commit to a permanent relocation.

Why Interest in the US Is Growing

Besides the more typical destinations, we’ve also seen growing interest in veterinary careers within the United States.

The US veterinary sector is currently facing significant workforce shortages across a number of areas, including companion animal practice, emergency and critical care, and rural medicine, creating a growing demand for experienced veterinary professionals.

One major workforce study projected a potential shortage of around 15,000 companion animal veterinarians in the US by 2030, which just highlights the scale of demand across the sector, and why UK vets would have no issues finding roles there.

Much of the appeal of working in the US lies in increased access to bigger, more advanced facilities, more opportunities to work in specialist care, higher volumes of clients, and not to mention the sheer scale and diversity.

and around 1 in 11 offers in the US also included a sign-on bonus which averaged around $20,000 (almost £15,000).

However, relocating to the US is not without its challenges…

Licensing requirements, visa sponsorship considerations, and adapting to a different healthcare and employment system can make the process more complex then relocating to Australia or New Zealand.

Securing the right visa can be one of the biggest hurdles for those looking to move across the pond, as sponsorship requirements vary between employers and immigration pathways can be both lengthy and competitive.

That said, UK veterinary qualifications are highly regarded across the globe, and because UK degrees are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), graduates are eligible to sit the North American Veterinary Licensing Examinations (NAVLE), the licensing exam required to practise in the United States and Canada.

Because of these challenges, many of our candidates who are exploring opportunities in the US are approaching the move as a long-term career decision over just a short-term lifestyle change.

Flexible Careers and Changing Priorities

More so than ever, vets are reassessing what they want from their careers altogether. For some, that means moving abroad. For others, it means exploring more flexible working arrangements a bit closer to home.

Looking to Branch Out? We Can Guide You

For vets considering opportunities in the United States, navigating licensing requirements, relocation processes, and career options can often be a bit daunting.

At Tempus Veterinary Recruitment, we work closely with veterinary professionals exploring new career opportunities, helping connect candidates with roles that strongly match their clinical interests, long-term goals, and lifestyle priorities.

If you’re considering moving abroad to destinations across the EU or Ireland, or just want to explore what opportunities may be available to you, our friendly team can provide personalised guidance on the current market, relocation considerations, and the types of roles currently in demand outside of the UK.

Let’s get you started. Reach out to us today.