» Wendy
Do you know who owns the veterinary practice that you work in? The veterinary industry in Australia continues to undergo consolidation with 1 in 4 clinics now part of a major corporate group.
There are 7 corporates with more than 25 clinics, and between them they own 25% of clinics.
Job data collected and tracked by Kookaburra Veterinary Employment for permanent vacancies in Australia reveals an easing of the shortage of veterinarians relative to the numbers of vacancies available, over the last 2 years. The hardest year to fill a vet vacancy was 2023, and since then, clinics have gradually been receiving more applicants and filling their vacancies in less time.
The bad news for vets graduating from university this year is that less clinics will now consider training a new grad. One conclusion that could be drawn from this is that many clinics don’t see value in employing a new graduate or perceive new grads as a burden on their practice, and they will try to avoid it if there are vets with some experience available. Alternatively, it’s possible that practices are already weighted heavily towards less experienced associates.
Kookaburra Vet Employment also has a limited amount of data on veterinary nurse and support staff vacancies. Anecdotal reports from clinics have suggested that it is increasingly difficult to source veterinary nursing staff this year, and this is supported by the increasing number of vacancies being advertised.
As of 26th August 2026 there were 431 open vet vacancies advertised with Kookaburra. 78 jobs had been continuously advertised for over 8 months (18% ).
In the 3 months February, March, April 2026, 693 jobs were advertised.
On 30th April 2023, 52 clinics had been advertising continuously for longer than 2 years without filling their vacancy, but by 26th August 2026, only 12 clinics had been continuously advertising for longer than 2 years without apparently filling their vacancy.
In March 2020 we had 236 vet nurse jobs listed.
In April 2021 we had 337 vet nurse jobs listed.
May 9th 2023 we had 316 vet nurse jobs listed.
June 26th 2024 we had 236 vet nurse jobs listed.
August 26th 2026 we had 344 vet nurse jobs listed
Author:
Wendy Nathan
Kookaburra Veterinary Employment
This information includes the views and opinions of Kookaburra Veterinary Employment and is of a general nature only. Factual information is believed to be correct at the time of writing, however, should not be relied upon and any person should confirm details with the relevant authorities and through their own research prior to acting on any of the suggestions in this article.
Although this article was written for new Veterinary Graduates, and first published in the Kookaburra Veterinary Employment new graduate job newsletter, the general points covered are equally applicable to experienced vets.
Initial contact depends on the job advert – if it asks for applications in writing then don’t phone up. If you are happy to chat on the phone, then this is a great way to find out more about a clinic. If you prefer to send your CV first then that is fine.
Include:
A cover letter should say why you’re sending your CV, and include for example:
If the ad gives a phone number then phone the clinic first to find out if the job is still available, and to ask if you can send your details through.
Follow-up is really important. Vet Clinics are busy places, and Vets are notoriously unorganised. Your CV may sit on, or even worse, at the bottom of a pile of papers waiting for a “paperwork day”. Don’t assume that just because you haven’t heard anything, they’re not interested. Kookaburra Veterinary Employment receives many calls from clinics where they have mistakenly deleted emails (or they’ve gone to spam), mislaid paperwork, and lost the bit of paper with a vital phone number and name.
It’s important to have a face to face interview if possible. Not only does the clinic need to evaluate you, you need to evaluate the clinic – see whether it’s up to date, does it run smoothly, meet the vets and the nurses and see if you’ll be able to get on with them ok, do they allow enough time to meet you properly and show you around. It’s best to spend half a day, or even a full day at the clinic. If it’s a mixed practice, take your protective clothing along so you can go on calls if necessary.
Be on time and look smart!
You shouldn’t just have a ½ hour interview – the clinic may feel they are able to make a snap judgement about you in that time, but they may get a false impression, and you certainly can’t get a good impression of them in that time. If that is what they offer, ask if you can spend the rest of the day at the clinic anyway.
Many clinics will pay your accommodation and travel expenses if necessary for an interview, within Australia.
Practice your interview technique with your family and friends – don’t use clinics to get interview experience. Only accept interview opportunities if you are really serious about your job application.
Make sure you do some research about the clinic or company that you are applying for a job with. Look them up online; check out their website, opening hours, Facebook page, Instagram account. They’re probably going to be looking you up! Phone the clinic and chat to the receptionist or the vet nurse who answers the phone, or ask if you can contact any current employees, or the employee who is leaving. In addition, check out the local area if you’re anticipating relocating. Look up clubs, sports facilities, schools, recreational opportunities, & real estate.
Too many new graduates take a job, and then leave in under 12 months. You must make sure that it is the type of clinic that you would feel happy working in, and that you will get the support necessary to kick start your career.
At some point in your interview, you may be asked what your salary expectations are, or alternatively, it may be important for you to ask what the salary on offer is. Some employers may turn the question around and ask what you’re making now. If you don’t expect the question, you may have an awkward moment. Do as much research as you can so that you’re prepared. The Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 [MA000118] sets minimum hourly rates. New graduate salaries often stay close to the Award – the current level 1A award rate is $67,579 pa.
You could say something like “according to my research, my understanding is that $70-80K per year is typical based on the role and requirements” or if you want to delay answering, “I’m more interested in finding a position that’s a good fit for my skills and interests. Could we talk about salary once I’ve heard more about the job on offer?”. Be honest; be realistic, and don’t sell yourself short. It’s also important to look beyond the Salary figure – look at any additional benefits such as training & bonuses. If you think you’re currently being underpaid, let them know what you’re being paid at the moment, but that you know from research that other vets are getting a certain amount at this level, and why you believe that you are worth it.
In addition, all employees are covered by the National Employment Standards (NES), which outline minimum entitlements regardless of award or contract.
If you are offered a job, you don’t have to accept immediately – it’s ok to let them know you have other interviews and wait to see what else you are offered. However, please keep the surgeries up to date with your plans and if you are going to turn them down, tell them so. It is not good practice to accept a job, and then continue to attend other interviews in the hope of getting a ‘better’ job – and then calling the first practice a week before you are due to start work to tell them that you won’t be turning up after all. Behaving in this way will hurt your future job prospects and your reputation.
If you accept a job, ask for a firm offer letter in writing to avoid misunderstandings. If a clinic won’t give you a firm offer or messes around, then don’t take the job! They probably wouldn’t be very good to work for.
You can also request a contract or similar document stating your conditions of work.
Don’t restrict your search to your local home area – be prepared to travel. Although new grads do need a lot of support, sometimes it can be better to move right away from home so that you can concentrate on settling in to your new job, getting to know the people you work with, joining in local activities etc.
This information includes the views and opinions of Kookaburra Veterinary Employment and is of a general nature only. Factual information is believed to be correct at the time of writing, however, should not be relied upon and any person should confirm details with the relevant authorities and through their own research prior to acting on any of the suggestions in this article.
Every job listed on the main Kookaburra Vet Employment website is also listed on the Kookaburra Jobs App – and you can view them in a list, or on a map.
 | This orange pin indicates a job suitable for a vet nurse, vet tech, practice manager, and all other support staff roles like reception, client care, animal attendant |
 | An open orange pin indicates a temporary, locum or short-term contract job |
 | This red pin indicates an Industry vacancy – one not necessarily based in a veterinary clinic, but where knowledge or qualifications in the industry would be useful |
 | An open industry pin indicates a temporary, locum or short-term contract job |
To narrow down your job search, you can apply and save a filter for the jobs displayed in the app. Your filter settings are automatically remembered. The categories available are:
The list can be sorted with the newest jobs at the top – so it’s easy to keep an eye on new vacancies, which become live on the app as soon as they’re processed by Kookaburra during the day. Getting your job application in first helps to make a great first impression.
The Kookaburra Jobs app is available on both the App Store and the Google Play Store
So you’ve been searching through the abundance of job ads listed on Kookaburra’s site or App and have found yourself a dream job – Yay you!
Now what?
How do you convince the Recruiter that you are the person they have been looking for… the one they NEED?
Let’s look at ways to impress and not depress them. Resumes are not known to be exciting discussion points, but they are necessary at some point.
Whether you’re a graduate looking for first employment, someone moving to a new location, seeking a career change or making a career progression, you will need to update your resume, and just like everything, the standards and formats change, so it’s important to be current and move with the times.
Resume or CV? We mostly use the word Resume here in Australia, and for the purpose of this article we’ll use Resume.
It’s beneficial to view your Resume as the clever marketing tool of You.
This article mainly concentrates on the Resume, but at the end I’ll also touch on the very important ‘Cover Letter’ which can have an impactful way of creating a first impression.
Regardless of whether you are applying with a small independent or a large company, unfortunately if your resume or cover letter doesn’t make the cut in comparison to others, and instead bores or confuses the reader into a micro-sleep – you may not get to an interview.
The top third of your resume is where you have a brief moment to captivate & intrigue the reader with a Profile section.
This is a summary section where you can use a few sentences to highlight your skills and experience & achievements. Also cater your profile to address the qualities or skills being required in the application.
Eg: “Qualified Cert IV Vet Nurse with 15 years experience working with small animals, supporting vets in surgery in procedures such as IV catheter & blood collection. Friendly and understanding with animals and humans alike – owner of 2 dogs & 3 cats! Enjoys a dynamic fast paced workplace and implementing systems and changes to streamline an effective and productive clinic. More than advanced in the operation of Ezyvet & Vet Radar. Looking for further career progression in a community minded & progressive clinic. “
Contact Details, Name, Email & Mobile.
Spend some time on this. It’s a super important letter of introduction which will introduce your resume. Often ‘optional’ , it is recommended to include a Cover Letter..
It’s your chance to grab the recruiter’s attention with your personality and story. Speak from your heart directly to the recruiter to show how perfectly you fit the role.
One of the big reveals that recruiters are looking for is… your WHY. In this letter address:
Good luck with your applications and remember to ask after your submissions if there is any feedback on your application format or gaps in the information delivered so you can improve – they may give you feedback.
Author:
Rachael MacLaren
Kookaburra Veterinary Employment
This information includes the views and opinions of Kookaburra Veterinary Employment and is of a general nature only. Factual information is believed to be correct at the time of writing, however, should not be relied upon and any person should confirm details with the relevant authorities and through their own research prior to acting on any of the suggestions in this article.