The Vet Tech role in the UK is primarily focussed on large animal species, predominantly cattle but including sheep, pigs, camelids and poultry. We are often described as a large animal Vet Nurse.

Both farmers and vets are very busy and a whole host of jobs across the farm take a lot of time. Farmers may be perfectly capable of doing these tasks but do not have the time. Vet Techs provide an extra pair of hands, that help to free up valuable herdsman time.

Care is delivered at the same high standard of the vet practice as the Vet Techs work under a Vet Surgeon and with the protocols agreed with the farmer.

The relationships between Vet Techs and farmers are very friendly, the Vet Tech can get on with the routine jobs without bothering anyone. After a few routine visits the Vet Tech can start to see the difference they are making.

Vet Techs also provide another pair of skilled eyes around the farm and pick up on things that are not ideal. By relaying these to the clinical Vet Surgeon they can generate discussions to improve aspects of that farm and see changes through.

As a Vet Tech, the role encompasses many different aspects, too many to list here! However, Vet Techs are used to monitor calf health, undertaking cattle mobility scoring, calf disbudding, TB testing, vaccination to offer a few examples of the types of things techs do. There are techs that specialise in certain areas depending on the practice.

Vet Tech services can include:

Stress-free calf disbudding,

Stress-free herd vaccinations with Vet Surgeon guidance and protocols,

Selective dry cow therapy,

Fly parasite control,

Worm and egg counting and analysis,

Data collection including mobility scoring,

Digital dermatitis scoring,

Teat scoring,

Body condition scoring,

Calf weights and youngstock performance monitoring,

Freeze branding,

Transition checks,

TB paperwork.

Vet Techs have a variety of backgrounds, including Bioveterinary, Animal Science and Agriculture. Hands on practical experience is vital but in house training is also provided by the vet practices.

In October 2022, the first Vet Tech course was launched at Harper Adams University. It is currently running the apprenticeship that is fully funded if working in England. This course requires you to be employed by a Vet Practice before enrolling on the course.

SRUC Aberdeen is running a HND in Rural Animal Health which is designed to provide the skills and knowledge required to go on to pursue a career as a Vet Tech.