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Update on the Workplace Staff Shortage – May 2023

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With the AVA Annual Conference coming up, it’s a good time to release some current figures to update the trends that Kookaburra Veterinary Employment is seeing in Australia, for the “State of the Market” panel discussion.

Vets

table showing Australian permanent vet jobs advertised with kookaburravets.com from 2014 to 2023

Of the current 735 open vet vacancies, 131 have been continuously advertised for more than 8 months.

In the last 3 months (February, March, April 2023), 1125 jobs have been advertised.

  • 27% of these have been filled by Kookaburra,
  • 2% have been filled by other advertising, or through personal contact
  • 9% have been removed because the clinic either gave up looking or restructured their clinic staff to cope – although some clinics are now reporting having a reduced workload, following the post-covid boom
  • 62% are still available.

As of 30th April 2023, 52 clinics had been advertising continuously for longer than 2 years without filling their vacancy

table showing comparison of three 3 months periods of job listings in 2020, 2021 and 2023

Vet Nurses

In March 2020 we had 236 vet nurse jobs listed.
In April 2021 we had 337 vet nurse jobs listed.
As of May 9th 2023, we have 316 vet nurse jobs listed.

Discussion

Kookaburra has noted the following factors

  • An increase in the numbers of vets required to cover the workload in individual practices
  • An increase in the numbers of new clinics opening – both corporate, and privately owned. 10 years ago Kookaburra had roughly 2100 clinics listed in Australia – we now have over 2600.
  • Many of the practice owners and managers that we talk to on a daily basis are highly stressed by the workforce shortage, and many are also resigned to having great difficulty hiring suitable new staff

Kookaburra circulated a Salary survey in the winter of 2022 and one of the questions we asked was about future plans (see chart below).
26% of vets (63 vets ) who responded to the Kookaburra Vets Salary Survey 2022 said they were planning on leaving general practice by 5 years’ time, either retiring, leaving the profession entirely, taking a break, or moving into another area of the veterinary industry.
In the 2019 survey, 24% of responding vets (142 vets) were planning on leaving general practice by 5 years’ time. That’s a lot of vets leaving general practice – and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down at all.

(copy of the full Salary Survey 2022 report available here: https://www.vetsuppliersdirectory.com.au/salary-survey-2022/ )

Chart showing survey results - 5 year plan

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.

15/05/2023 |

2016 Salary Survey Results

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Kookaburra_Logo_transparent_stackedSome of the most common questions that we get asked at Kookaburra Vets relate to Salary levels. Thanks to all the vets who participated in our survey – the more vets who reply, the more useful this information is. We hope that in future years more of you will take the small amount of time required to complete our survey. We asked for full time annual salary range not including Super.

Minimum pay rates and conditions are set in the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award, which you can find using Google, or at https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/documents/modern_awards/award/ma000118/default.htm

Results

( as of 8th April 2016 – 255 Respondents)

Kookaburra-survey-all-results

Locum Rates

Hourly rates for locums and casual vets. There was no statistical difference between vets working in mixed, equine and small animal practice. Rates below $30 an hour were excluded as likely to be permanent part time rates.

Total Number of Responses       79
Average rate (mean)                     $53.40
Minimum                                           $33
Maximum                                          $75
Median                                               $55

Small Animal Practice

Kookaburra-survey-smallanimal

Kookaburra-survey-smallanimal-table

Mixed Practice

Kookaburra-survey-mixedl

Kookaburra-survey-mixed-table

Equine Practice

Kookaburra-survey-equine

Kookaburra-survey-equine-table

Male vs Female Salaries

Kookaburra-survey-male-female-salary

Kookaburra-survey-male-female

Future Plans

Kookaburra-survey-associates-current

Kookaburra-survey-associates-5years

© Copyright Kookaburra Veterinary Employment

8th April 2016

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11/04/2016 |

Procyte DX Machine

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  • In very good condition.
  • Selling as our rural clinic doesn’t use it enough.
  • Machine has always been insured by Idexx.

Price – $3,000 REDUCED T0 $1000

Please contact Ash on 0439 518 794

Email: hopkinsveterinaryservices@gmail.com

Located in Hexham, Victoria.

25/11/2025 |

Regenerative Therapy Without Compromise

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Modern veterinary practices are increasingly adopting regenerative therapies that not only relieve pain but actively support the body’s natural healing processes.

Technologies such as laser therapy and shockwave are changing the way practices approach musculoskeletal injuries, osteoarthritis, rehabilitation, post-operative recovery and wound management.

Multi Radiance has developed an integrated range of evidence-based regenerative therapy solutions that enable veterinarians to deliver effective, non-invasive treatments backed by extensive clinical research. From advanced laser systems and focused shockwave technology to convenient take-home therapy options, these innovative tools are helping practices improve patient outcomes.

As veterinary medicine continues to embrace evidence-based, non-pharmaceutical treatment options, regenerative therapies are becoming an increasingly valuable part of everyday clinical practice. Whether managing chronic osteoarthritis, accelerating post-operative recovery or treating challenging soft tissue injuries, today’s veterinarians are looking for technologies that deliver measurable clinical outcomes while enhancing patient comfort.

 

Multi Radiance has established itself as a global leader in regenerative therapy by offering an integrated range of advanced treatment systems designed to reduce pain, stimulate healing and improve recovery across a wide variety of companion animal and equine patients.

 

Unlike many manufacturers that focus on a single therapy modality, Multi Radiance provides a comprehensive treatment platform that combines advanced photobiomodulation (laser therapy) with focused acoustic compression therapy (shockwave), allowing clinicians to select the most appropriate treatment for each patient and condition.

 

The company’s proven laser therapy systems utilise Super Pulsed Laser technology to deliver therapeutic energy deep into damaged tissue without generating excessive heat. By stimulating cellular activity, increasing circulation and reducing inflammation, photobiomodulation can assist in the management of osteoarthritis, tendon and ligament injuries, neurological conditions, post-operative recovery, wound healing and rehabilitation. With over 50 published studies supporting its technology, Multi Radiance remains one of the most clinically researched therapeutic laser manufacturers in veterinary medicine.

 

 

The flagship ACTIVet PRO Series provides versatile treatment options for both routine and advanced cases, including the innovative LaserShower, which enables rapid treatment of larger muscle groups, extensive wounds and larger patients. Complementing this is the AlphaVet Class IV laser, designed to provide rapid analgesia and prepare tissues for subsequent regenerative therapy.

 

For practices seeking to further expand their rehabilitation capabilities, the MPACT ShockWave system introduces another powerful treatment option. Using focused acoustic compression technology, MPACT delivers mechanical stimulation that complements laser therapy by promoting tissue regeneration, improving blood flow and encouraging healing in chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Shockwave therapy has become increasingly recognised for treating chronic tendinopathies, ligament injuries, trigger points, muscle strains and osteoarthritis, particularly in cases where long-standing pathology requires additional stimulation to restart the healing process.

 

Because laser therapy and shockwave act through different biological mechanisms, they can be used independently or together, providing veterinarians with a comprehensive, multimodal approach to pain management and rehabilitation. Many practices find that combining these therapies produces excellent clinical outcomes while reducing reliance on long-term pharmaceutical management.

Multi Radiance also recognises that successful treatment extends beyond the consultation room. Through the My Pet Laser 2.0, veterinarians can prescribe take-home laser therapy, allowing owners to continue treatment between visits. This improves patient compliance, supports ongoing recovery and creates an additional revenue stream while strengthening client engagement.

 

Introducing regenerative therapies into practice has never been easier. Multi Radiance systems feature intuitive operation, built-in treatment protocols and comprehensive clinical training, enabling veterinarians and veterinary nurses to confidently integrate these technologies into their daily workflow.

Whether your practice is looking to enhance rehabilitation services, improve orthopaedic outcomes, expand pain management options or introduce advanced regenerative medicine, the Multi Radiance portfolio offers a complete solution backed by clinical evidence, education and ongoing support.

To learn how Multi Radiance laser therapy and MPACT ShockWave can benefit your patients and your practice, contact Sound Veterinary Equipment for a personalised demonstration and discover why more veterinary professionals are making regenerative therapy an integral part of modern veterinary care.

Contact our office for friendly advice today!    TEL:    1300 881 681 or 03 9758 2500

Email: contact@soundveterinary.com.au

WEBSITE:

17/07/2026 |
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