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Veterinary Technician

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Veterinary Technician Royal Army Veterinary Corps

Medical

You look after sick and injured animals, primarily dogs and horses, and support Veterinary Officers in their treatment at home and on operations, so your work could take you overseas. You also manage veterinary equipment, report signs of ill health and provide nursing support for hospitalised animals. Call 01276 412689/2668 for more.

Are you right for this role?

You should be:

Sex: Male or Female
Regular Army Age: 17.6 - 32.11 years

You should have:

Qualifications: Four GCSEs at grade C or above, to include English Language or equivalent

You should like:

Working with animals
Outdoor activities
Working in an office / indoors
Computing and technology

You should be interested or have experience in:

Veterinary
Pharmacy
Computing / IT

Private Wallace is involved in many aspects of animal care

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I’ve always had an interest in the physiology of animals. I find it very satisfying to see an animal from its initial treatment to full recovery, and I'm constantly learning new things and improving my practical skills. I relish the responsibility of being the primary port of call for military working animals.

All in a day's work

A Veterinary Technician applies a bandage to a horse's leg

A Veterinary Technician applies a bandage to a horse's leg

You will have the opportunity to learn to ride horses as well as care for them

A Veterinary Officer looks at hip X-rays of dogs who have been recruited into the Royal Army Veterinary Corps

A Veterinary Technician monitors the vital signs of military working dog undergoing treatment

This working dog is receiving his kennel cough vaccination

This horse's coat is being clipped so that he can receive an IV injection
A Veterinary Technician prepares to examine a search dog in the clinic at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan

Regular
Army

Regular Army

Veterinary Technician checking X-Rays

Training

After completing the Basic Dog Handler’s Course, you attend a course designed specifically for Veterinary Technicians. It teaches everything from animal anatomy to nursing skills such as bandaging, administering treatment and monitoring animals’ health. You also complete a course at the Defence School of Transport so you can gain driving qualifications.

Skills you can learn

This can be a pressurised role, particularly on operations, so you learn to make quick decisions, and to remain calm under stressful conditions. You also learn how to assist Veterinary Officers during surgical operations, and to carry out radiography, first-aid treatment and disease prevention. You can gain nursing skills and become a qualified dog handler.

Move up the ranks

Private

Most soldiers in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps begin at this rank. You get all the benefits of Army life, like a good rate of pay, free healthcare, and subsidised food and accommodation. But you’re not in charge of anyone, so you can focus on using your skills. Every promotion gets you extra pay.
Lance Corporal

After a couple of years you could get your first promotion. As well as a pay rise, it also brings extra responsibility. You lead a small team, making sure their work is completed properly and that they’ve got the skills and help they need. And if they’ve got a problem, they talk to you first.
Corporal

When you’ve got three or four years’ experience leading a team, you’re ready for another promotion. You go on a management course, and then take charge of a larger group of soldiers. You still use your trade skills, but teaching soldiers and supervising their work are key parts of the job.