Jordan Ellis
The United Kingdom has a large number of veterinary hospitals and practices, catering to the needs of its many pet owners and farmers. In 2018, there were over 4000 vet practices in the UK, with the South East region having the highest concentration due to its extensive farming lands and affluent residents. The UK also has a high density of veterinarians per capita compared to other European countries, with approximately 24,000 registered veterinary surgeons in 2020 and 27,000 in 2021. This number further increased to around 35,500 in 2024, reflecting the scale and importance of veterinary services in the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of vet practices in the UK | 4,058 in 2018 |
| Number of employed and self-employed veterinarians in the UK | 35.5 thousand in 2024 |
| Number of registered veterinary surgeons in the UK | 24,000 in 2020; 27,000 in 2021 |
| Average annual salary for veterinary surgeons with over 2 years of experience in the UK | £40,000-£55,000 |
| Average annual salary for veterinary nurses in the UK | £18,000-£30,000 |
| Average number of hours worked by veterinarians in the UK per week | 50-55 hours |
| Percentage of female veterinary surgeons in the UK | 57%; 77% according to another source |
| Number of veterinary practices with small animal veterinary hospitals in the UK | 245 |
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What You'll Learn
There were 4,058 veterinary enterprises in the UK in 2018
Veterinary services in the UK are in high demand, with the industry projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 2.4% to £6.1 billion by 2024/25. In 2022, people spent over £5.3 billion on veterinary care and other services in the UK, with veterinary care for pets constituting almost £4 billion of that figure in 2020.
The UK has a higher density of veterinarians per capita than any other country in Europe, with approximately 24,000 registered veterinary surgeons in 2020, a number that rose to 27,000 in 2021. The number of employed and self-employed veterinarians in the UK was approximately 35,500 in 2024. The profession is predominantly female, with women comprising 57% of all registered veterinary surgeons in 2020, and 77% in 2021.
In 2018, there were 4,058 veterinary enterprises (practices and other veterinary businesses) based in the UK. These include veterinary hospitals, which must be accredited and recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and provide extra services beyond those of a standard veterinary practice.
Veterinary nurses are crucial members of the veterinary team and must qualify before working under this title. They can complete their nursing qualification through a mixture of working in a practice and studying, or by obtaining a veterinary nursing degree.
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The UK has the most vets per capita in Europe
The United Kingdom has witnessed a surge in pet ownership, with a peak of 62% of households owning pets in 2022, attributed to the pandemic and people spending more time at home. This rise in pet ownership has boosted demand for veterinary care, resulting in the UK having the highest number of veterinarians per capita in Europe.
In 2024, the UK had approximately 35,500 employed and self-employed veterinarians, a notable increase from the 24,000 registered veterinary surgeons in 2020. This density of veterinarians in the UK surpasses that of other European countries. Germany, for instance, has over 40,000 practicing veterinarians, while France has around 18,000, and Australia has over 12,000 despite its smaller population.
The veterinary profession in the UK is predominantly female, with women comprising 57% of registered veterinary surgeons. Additionally, 84% of registered veterinary nurses are female. The average annual salary for veterinary surgeons with over two years of experience ranges from £40,000 to £55,000, while veterinary nurses can expect a salary between £18,000 and £30,000.
The high demand for veterinary services in the UK is also reflected in the consumer spending on pet food and pet-related products and services. In 2022, UK households spent approximately £4.7 billion on veterinary and other pet services, contributing to the overall growth of the veterinary services industry, which expanded by 11.3% in the same year.
While the veterinary profession in the UK is facing challenges such as high stress levels and work-life balance issues, with almost 25% of vets considering leaving the profession, the country's high density of veterinarians per capita underscores the importance and demand for veterinary services in the nation.
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Veterinary services revenue is projected to grow
The UK veterinary medicine market size was estimated at USD 2.64 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.80 billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% from 2025 to 2030, reaching USD 4.08 billion. This growth is attributed to several factors, including the rising livestock population, increasing pet ownership, advancements in veterinary medicine, and the growing prevalence of animal diseases.
Veterinary services revenue in the UK is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.4% over the next five years, reaching £6.1 billion. This growth is driven by rising pet ownership, the expanding range of services, the popularity of pet insurance, and tightening health and safety regulations in meat production. The largest segment of veterinary services in the UK is veterinary care for pets, followed by veterinary care for farm animals, which remains in high demand.
The South East of the UK has the highest concentration of veterinary practices due to its significant farming lands and wealthier residents, resulting in high demand for veterinary services. The market size of the UK veterinary services industry is expected to continue growing, with 3,297 businesses in 2024, a decline from the previous year's 4,000+ vet practices.
The pharmaceutical segment of the veterinary medicine market accounted for the largest revenue share of 67.5% in 2024 due to its wide range of clinically approved drugs. The production animal segment, including livestock such as cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry, dominated the market with a 58% revenue share, driven by consistent demand for vaccines, antibiotics, and antiparasitic treatments.
The UK government's funding programs, such as the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, aim to enhance animal health and support the development and use of veterinary medicines, further contributing to the projected growth in veterinary services revenue.
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The South East has the most vet practices
The UK has seen a rise in veterinary services revenue, projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 2.4% to £6.1 billion. This growth is driven by rising pet ownership, expanding service ranges, and the popularity of pet insurance. The UK employed approximately 27,000 veterinarians in 2021, with a higher density of veterinarians per capita than any other country in Europe.
The South East of the UK stands out with the most veterinary practices. This concentration can be attributed to its significant farming lands and the presence of wealthier residents. The region's large population keeps veterinary services in high demand, ensuring a thriving market for veterinary care.
The South East's veterinary landscape is further enhanced by its farms, which attract veterinary service providers. The combination of extensive farming lands and a substantial number of wealthy residents contributes to the establishment of numerous veterinary practices in the region.
In addition to its unique characteristics, the South East benefits from its geographical location. The region's proximity to other areas with varying business landscapes likely influences the distribution of veterinary practices. The overall success of the veterinary industry in the South East sets a precedent for understanding the dynamics of veterinary care in the UK.
The prominence of the South East in veterinary care underscores the importance of location-based advantages and how they shape the distribution of veterinary practices. The region's high demand for veterinary services, influenced by its farming industry and resident wealth, has likely contributed to the establishment of numerous practices. This concentration of veterinary care in the South East is a notable feature within the broader context of the UK's veterinary industry.
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Veterinary hospitals must provide extra services
The UK has over 4,000 vet practices, with approximately 27,000 veterinarians employed as of 2021. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) evaluates and decides whether a veterinary clinic can be classified as a practice or a hospital. All veterinary practices and hospitals must be accredited and recognised by the RCVS, and they must meet a set of core standards to remain operational.
Veterinary hospitals are required to provide additional services beyond those offered by a standard veterinary practice. This could include 24-hour emergency services, with some hospitals treating injured stray and wild animals. Veterinary hospitals also provide a range of preventative care and prescription services to help manage ongoing conditions.
With the rise in pet ownership, veterinary services have expanded their offerings. This includes services such as pet insurance, microchipping, and data analytics to guide marketing strategies and operational improvements. Veterinary hospitals may also offer low-cost or free treatment for pets in need, with some organisations providing support for vulnerable pets and owners who cannot afford private veterinary care.
In addition to pet care, veterinary hospitals in the UK also cater to farm animals and animals in the racing industry. They provide medical care, routine checks, and diagnostic tests for livestock, ensuring the detection of viruses and diseases that could impact humans. The services provided by veterinary hospitals in the UK are diverse and tailored to meet the needs of a wide range of animals and their owners.
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Frequently asked questions
There are over 4,000 vet practices in the UK, with the South East region having the highest number of vet practices.
There are approximately 35,500 employed and self-employed veterinarians in the UK as of 2024. The UK has a higher density of veterinarians per capita than any other European country.
The average annual salary for a veterinarian in the UK ranges from £40,000 to £55,000, depending on experience and specialisation.
Veterinary care in the UK includes care for pets, farm animals, animals in the racing industry, and zoo animals.
