Veterinary nursing and technician work is genuinely rewarding but often pretty demanding. For some, the appeal of a more flexible and independent way of working leads them to consider locum work. Whether you’re a vet nurse, a vet tech, or simply curious about non-traditional career paths, this blog will help you weigh up the pros and cons of life as a locum.
What Is Locum Work?
Locum vet nurses or techs are temporary workers who cover short- or long-term staffing needs in clinics, hospitals, and referral centres. You might step in for maternity cover, illness, annual leave, or peak-period demand. Locums can work through agencies, independently, or via umbrella companies.
While this model is well-established in the UK, it’s also gaining popularity globally,
particularly in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US.
Pros of Locum Work:
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Flexibility and Autonomy
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You set your own schedule. Whether you want to work full-time for a few months, take a break to travel, or only work part-time, locuming gives you the power to design your work-life balance around what actually matters to you.
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Potentially Higher Pay
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Locum nurses in the UK often earn more per hour than their permanent counterparts – sometimes significantly more, especially if you take last-minute shifts or cover nights and weekends. Globally, this varies, but in general, temp roles pay more to reflect the short-term nature and lack of job benefits.
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Variety and Experience
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You’ll work in different types of practices – general, referral, mixed, exotics – and with diverse teams and equipment. This rapidly builds your clinical and communication skills in ways that staying in one place simply can’t match.
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Travel Opportunities
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Want to combine work with adventure? Locuming across the UK or internationally (places like Australia, Ireland, or New Zealand) lets you earn while exploring new places and experiencing different veterinary approaches.
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Less Drama
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As a temporary team member, you’re much less likely to get involved in staff dynamics or long-term workplace issues. Many locums genuinely enjoy focusing purely on clinical work without the additional drama.
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Cons of Locum Work:
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No Guaranteed Income
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You might have dry spells between bookings – especially during quieter periods like summer holidays or Christmas. Budgeting becomes much more important when your income isn’t predictable.
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Uncertainty and Instability
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You may not know where you’ll be working week-to-week. For some, that’s genuinely exciting. For others, it’s quite stressful and makes planning ahead difficult.
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No Employment Benefits
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Locums typically don’t get the safety net of employment benefits. You’ll need to plan – and save – for sick pay, holiday pay, pension contributions, maternity leave, and CPD budgets yourself. Some clinics may still support CPD on a case-by-case basis, but don’t count on it.
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Administrative Burden
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If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to register with HMRC, submit self-assessment tax returns, organise your own professional indemnity insurance, and track CPD hours. Internationally, requirements vary, but many countries require locums to manage their own licensing, taxes, and liability coverage.
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Pressure to Perform
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You’re expected to “hit the ground running” from day one. Locums are often brought in during busy or understaffed periods, and while many teams are welcoming, support may be minimal. Confidence and adaptability are absolutely key to succeeding in this environment.
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UK-Specific Considerations
Self-Employed or Agency?
Some UK locums work through agencies (which find you jobs and pay you as an employee), while others operate as self-employed contractors or via umbrella companies. Each has different implications for tax, IR35 status, pay rates, and control over your schedule. If in doubt, speak to an accountant or vet-specific locum advisory service – it’s worth getting this right from the start.
What You’ll Need
To locum in the UK, make sure you have:
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An active RCVS registration
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Professional indemnity insurance (many choose to join the BVNA or VDS)
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Up-to-date CPD records
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A clear CV and solid references
Is Locum Life for You? Key Questions to Ask
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Do I genuinely enjoy change, or do I prefer routine and predictability?
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Can I handle financial ups and downs without stress?
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Am I confident walking into new environments and adapting quickly?
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Do I need a steady income for a mortgage or family commitments?
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Am I actually good at managing paperwork, taxes, and bookings?
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Is this a short-term solution or a long-term lifestyle choice?
