Overseas work opportunities

Want to work or do voluntary work overseas? Find out how the British Veterinary Association (BVA) can help you

Want to work or volunteer overseas? Find out how the British Veterinary Association can help you.

Many recently qualified veterinary surgeons express an interest in working overseas on a voluntary basis.

Wishing not only to travel but to experience at close hand a different culture whilst widening their veterinary knowledge, moving out of their ‘comfort zone’ and stretching themselves are the reasons given.

Many feel they want to give something back by helping a community and so consider short term voluntary work abroad.

In this section you can find details of

How the BVA Overseas Group can help
Salaried posts
Classifieds
Work permit regulations

If you are a student or new graduate you may also be interested in the BVA Overseas Travel Grants

How the BVA Overseas Group can help

The BVA Overseas Group can set members off on the right track by providing a list of useful contacts involved in overseas work, many of which welcome veterinary volunteers on a short-term basis.

Longer-term postings through Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) are another option.

The Overseas Group has also produced guidance notes on working overseas. You can also have a look at accounts of vets’ experiences overseas.

We would be pleased to hear from veterinary surgeons interested in working overseas, can provide general advice and can put members in touch with colleagues who have worked in a specific country or region.

Through our network of experience we also offer assistance to those already working overseas by helping with professional queries - or simply providing moral support when the need arises!

Salaried posts

Salaried posts are no longer easy to come by in developing countries as traditional government sources of employment overseas have largely disappeared.

However, veterinary surgeons with relevant experience and expertise are employed in developing nations and (non-EU) Eastern Europe at several levels

as advisers to international funding and technical assistance agencies
in industry or as specialists for international diagnostic and research laboratories
as consultants on specific projects
very occasionally, with one of the larger NGOs or charities

Working in private practice or teaching at a veterinary school, perhaps as a volunteer, are other options. The international veterinary family is very small and one thing can lead to another.

A good grounding in all species is invaluable. Employers want experience so going to as many countries and working with as many species as possible will certainly help.

The Overseas Group’s area of interest lies with veterinary activities in the developing world but there are, of course, ample opportunities to practise in EU member states and other developed countries.

Certain formalities have to be met and the national veterinary associations or competent authorities will provide full information on current requirements.

Contact details are available on the websites of