2240 — Veterinarians
Higher Skilled
Sources checked 26 October 2026. Match the actual duties before choosing a code.
Related job titles
What this occupation covers
Veterinarians diagnose and treat animal injuries, diseases and disorders, and advise on preventative action. They may work in practices, specialising according to their location in either a rural or urban area, or in the public sector or associated industries such as pharmaceuticals, food production or drug regulation.
Typical duties
examines animals, diagnoses condition and prescribes and administers appropriate drugs, dressings, etc., and arranges or undertakes any necessary x-ray or other tests
inoculates animals against communicable diseases
administers local or general anaesthetics and performs surgery
investigates outbreaks of animal diseases and advises owners on feeding, breeding and general care
euthanises old, sick, terminally ill and unwanted animals
performs tasks relating to food safety policy, regulation of veterinary drugs, quality control of veterinary products
performs ante-mortem inspection of animals destined for the food chain, and animal post-mortem examinations
carries out expert witness work and undertakes teaching of veterinary students
maintains records, raises and forwards reports and certificates in compliance with current legislation
Entry routes and qualifications
Entrants will require a university degree in veterinary science and registration as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Pre-entry experience in a veterinary practice may be required for entry to a university veterinary school.
Sponsorship information
Higher Skilled. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.
Full Table 1 going rate: £49,500 at 37.5 hours. The applicable salary requirement can differ: use the calculator.
DBS assessment
No code-wide DBS assessment is assigned. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.
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