Veterinary Officer

About the Role

As a Veterinary Officer with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, you will help keep the military’s working animals fit, healthy and ready to deploy. The role brings together familiar veterinary work with the added challenges of Army life, including responsibility for Military Working Animals and advice on disease control and biosecurity.

You will lead soldiers under your command, build your experience as a clinician or commander, and have the chance to boost your qualifications through the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. The role also comes with travel, sport and Adventurous Training.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the capability of Military Working Animals
• Advise on animal health issues and veterinary challenges
• Support disease control and biosecurity
• Lead and manage people under your command
• Work in challenging and hostile environments
• Use patience and a consistent approach when handling animals
• Carry out other military duties

Requirements

• Veterinary degree
• Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
• Age between 18 and 36, with application age between 17 years and 9 months and 36 years and 11 months
• Pass the stated fitness standards: Mid Thigh Pull 50kg, Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m and MSFT beep test level 7.1

Benefits

• Starting salary of £54,716, rising to £54,716 once training is complete and you have joined your unit
• Student bursary of up to £60,000 for eligible candidates
• Annual bursary instalments of £5,000 during the final three years of university
• Lump sum payment of £45,000 on successful completion of Officer training
• Possible Army salary or lump sum of £5,000 during each of two years of professional development
• Opportunity to gain the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice
• Possible study at MSc level
• Travel, sport and Adventurous Training

About the Practice

The Royal Army Veterinary Corps works mainly with military horses and dogs. Its roles include vets, veterinary nurses and dog handlers, supporting the Army’s working animals across a range of duties.

Training includes the Commissioning Course Short at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, followed by the Royal Army Veterinary Corps Entry Officers' Course.