The UK is a great place to work as a veterinarian or vet nurse- not only do veterinary staff receive (relatively) decent wages and uphold high medical standards, but working is a great way to experience the British culture. And as a bonus, you’re only a discount-flight away from exploring mainland Europe on your long weekends.

However moving to a foreign country, even temporarily, is a huge undertaking. There’s quite a lot you’ll have to consider before you touch down on the Heathrow tarmac.

So what’s the best way to start researching your move? Well, ask someone who’s already done it!

I’m chronically indecisive, so in the last decade, I’ve alternated between being a resident of the UK and Australia five six times! Which means I’ve got this process more or less down pat.

To help you get started, I’ve written this guide based on my own experiences. I’ve done my best to outline all the things I wish I knew when I first emigrated, and included links to sites where you can find further information.

I’ll do my best to keep all the information up to date, but please remember this guide is written from my own personal experience. I am not an immigration specialist, and you must check with all relevant government departments to ensure you are complying with UK laws before making any major decisions.

The lights of the british parliament house reflected in the thames river at sunrise in london

Guide to Moving to the UK Part 1: General Life & Work

From visas and work permits, to driving and communication, learn all about the basics steps and considerations for relocating to Britain. Read more.

sunset over the thames river in london with the silhouettes of tourists and runners on the bank

Guide to Moving to the UK Part 2: Veterinary Specifics

Discover all the vet-centric information that you won’t find elsewhere about life in Britain – covering veterinary registration, professional insurance, continued education and other tips for working vets and nurses! Read more.

Sunrise over a green field of sheep on a country lane in rural England

Guide to Moving to the UK Part 3: Finding Work

Finding work in a new country can be a daunting tasks, especially as a travelling locum. In this article, I spill the beans on my process which has gained me with more job offers than I can accept, even as a recent graduated. Read more.

A beautiful scottish landscape with a bridge, a river, and tower mountains in the background

Aussie Vet in Scotland: Interview with Emma

Who best to ask about life as a vet in Britain, than someone who’s already made the move? From drought-stricken Queensland to icy north Scotland, Emma chats about how she adapted to working as a vet in the UK. Read more.

coloured umbrellas fill a sandstone alleyway

UK Locum Vet Part 1: Choosing between Umbrella and Limitied Companies

The first step to becoming a locum vet or nurse is choosing your business model. Learn all about the pros and cons of British umbrella and limited companies, and get started on your locum journey. Read more

a wooden signpost at the foot of a tall moutain trail in scotland at sunset

UK Locum Vet Part 2: Starting your own Limited Company

Are you looking for an opportunity to gain experience volunteering as a vet or nurse once you arrive in the UK? Check out Many Tears Animal Rescue in Wales, a fantastic shelter that is always in need of extra hands. Read more.

The spire of a ruined abbey in Scotland framed within the crumbing archways UK

The Hidden Challenges faced by Foreign Vets in the UK

Andreia from UKVetMove outlines some of the tricky and unexpected challenges faced by many international vets when they first move to Britain. Read more

A wooden carved dog outside of the Many Tears Animal Rescue in Wales

Volunteer Opportunity: Many Tears Animal Rescue in Wales

Are you looking for an opportunity to gain experience volunteering as a vet or nurse once you arrive in the UK? Check out Many Tears Animal Rescue in Wales, a fantastic shelter that is always in need of extra hands. Read more.

A streetvet looks fondly at a stffordshore terrier sitting in the street with its owner

Volunteer Opportunity: StreetVet UK

Learn about volunteering to help pets of the homeless in over a dozen cities around the UK. Read More

Volunteers lead two disabled riders on horseback around the RDA arena

Volunteer Opportunity: Riding for the Disabled Association, UK

The RDA is always looking for volunteers to assist with their charitable work, both in the UK and internationally. Read more.

If you didn’t find the information that you were looking for, get in touch anytime. I’ve loved working as a veterinarian in the UK, and I’m more than happy to help you on your own veterinary journey!

Or if you’d like to read about working as a veterinary professional in other countries, head back to the Work Overseas page.