Working Overseas

Have you always dreamed of using your skills to travel and work internationally?

Let’s look at:

WHO can work overseas?

As veterinary professionals, we are privileged that our skills are transferable and are in demand all over the globe

There are opportunities for all veterinary professionals to work overseas- whether you be a veterinarian or veterinary surgeon, vet nurse, RVN, vet tech, veterinary care assistant, animal keeper, or even someone who just loves animals.

Most of the information here is tailored to qualified vets- but I do have info for nurses and techs too!

If you are still a student, there is so much to be gained by using your skills internationally. But you might be better volunteering with animals rather than working until you are fully qualified- here’s some international volunteer opportunities just for you!

HOW can I work internationally?

There are a number of ways you can work overseas as a veterinary professional. How easy it is depends largely on your own nationality and qualifications, and the laws of your destination country.

If you would like to work as a vet in any foreign country, there are two main requirements that you must comply with::

1) You must obtain a legal right to live and work in that country- this usually requires a working visa.

2) You must have your veterinary qualifications recognised by the local governing body (for example, the AVMA in the US, or the RCVS in the UK).

You will need to research how to meet these requirements as the first step in planning your trip.

And I’ve written guides for some specific locations:

If you do not qualify to work in a specific country, you may still find it possible to volunteer there (depending on their laws). Head to the Volunteer Page to find out more.