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Veterinary technician

Veterinary technicians work in large animal livestock practices, assisting the vets in delivering technical aspects of herd health work.

This profile highlights the skills and knowledge associated with the role. However, jobs will have varying responsibilities depending on level of the role and the size or type of the business.

We've listed employers and recruiters who hire for this role and you can find advice on searching for roles like this inside our Employment Toolkit.

Vet technicians usually focus on farm animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs or poultry, as they support vets in keeping farm animals healthy and productive. It’s a varied role and suits individuals with a passion for animal husbandry.

The responsibilities involved in this role include foot-trimming, vaccinations, TB testing and assisting vets. As part of your role, you will visit a wide range of locations from large intensive farms to smallholdings. You may find that a lot of your work is with young stock, carrying out activities such as disbudding, growth monitoring, data recording, and vaccinating.

You will need have a good level of competency in functional mathematics. You will also build an understanding of scientific concepts such as genetics and anatomy to administer treatments or take samples.

Veterinary technicians also work with the veterinary team to improve fertility, lameness and mastitis. Responsibilities could include mobility scoring and foot trimming, mastitis sample collection, pregnancy scanning and artificial insemination. Additionally, you might assist in preparing animals for surgical procedures, either on the farm or at the veterinary practice.

Working alongside vets and farm workers, you will need to work effectively as part of this animal health team and be confident carrying out your own tasks independently.

The role of a veterinary technician can be a challenging one. You may need to work shifts or long hours in poor weather. You will need to have the resilience to cope with working with very sick animals that may end up being euthanised. You should also be fully aware of the dangers posed by working with large, unpredictable animals and be prepared for some jobs requiring a degree of physical strength.

It's important to note that, in the UK, this role is distinct from that of veterinary nurse and has a different set of skills and competencies.

As a Veterinary technician your responsibilities might include:

Carrying out a broad range of technical tasks on farm animals
Administering appropriate vaccinations in the correct doses and at the correct intervals
Effectively delivering treatment and disease prevention plans to farmers and farm workers in charge of the livestock
Keeping farmers informed on the latest methods, disease threats, medications and technologies for the treatment of farmed livestock
Completing all relevant records and statutory paperwork/reports in relation to the treatment of farm livestock
Working effectively with all role holders in the veterinary practice and on farm

To work as a veterinary technician, you should:

Be passionate about animal husbandry
Have excellent communication skills
Have a keen eye for detail
Enjoy working outdoors
Be accountable for decision making
Be able to adapt quickly to changing situations
Be effective working both independently and as part of a team
Have strong organisational skills
Be resilient and empathetic

The role would suit someone with a keen interest in animal husbandry and passion for improving the health and welfare across the range of farmed animals.

Prior experience of working with large domestic animals can definitely help and work experience placements can provide a much valued introduction to the role.

The salary for a veterinary technician is in the region of £17,000-£28,000.

This figure is for a full-time permanent position, depending on the level of experience, business type and location.

Within the agriculture and horticulture sectors there are often many associated benefits that are not reflected in the headline salary. These can include accommodation being provided or subsidised, travel pay, profit shares, vehicle use and production/performance bonuses.

Vet technicians can further develop their knowledge and skills through further training courses or develop specialisms in various aspects of livestock husbandry.

You might even find yourself applying for related roles with other organisations, including the British Army once you have the correct qualifications.

You do not need a degree or further education qualification to become a trainee veterinary technician, however GCSEs in maths, English and science are typically required.

Some employers may also expect you to have animal care and laboratory skills, though you could gain these through a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in:

Animal care or animal management
Applied science
Biology
Laboratory animal science and technology

Apprenticeships

Applicants for this role could complete the Level 5 Vet Technician (livestock) Apprenticeship two-year course.

There are often no specific entry requirements, but all apprentices must achieve maths and English at Level 2 prior to achievement. Vet Technician candidates are likely to have some husbandry skills and livestock knowledge and may have worked in a vet practice at a more junior level.

Short courses and online study

Harper Adams University Diploma Veterinary Technician Higher Apprenticeship

Training

To confirm interest in a role like this and to prepare, you could complete some of the TIAH Essential Skills Learning Paths, including the Foundations in Farm Safety, Biosecurity, and Animal Health and Welfare paths.

Return to our job profiles page for more exciting roles in farming and growing.

Employers and recruiters who hire for this role include:

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