Looking for a veterinary nurse job in Australia? Whether you’re just starting your vet nursing career or ready for your next role, the demand for qualified veterinary nurses continues to grow across the country. From general practice clinics to rescue shelters and zoos, there are a wide variety of vet nurse jobs available to suit your skills and passion for animal care.
In this guide, we’ll explore what qualifications you need in Australia, where to find vet nurse job opportunities, how to make your application stand out, and what qualifications you need to secure a fulfilling career in the animal care industry.
What qualifications do you need?
In Australia, to be employed as a qualified veterinary nurse you need a specific qualification: ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. This qualification is gained through a combination of theoretical training and practical work experience in a veterinary hospital.
Where Do Vet Nurses Work in Australia?
Veterinary nurses work in a wide variety of settings, and your career can take you far beyond a typical small animal clinic. Whether you’re looking for full-time, part-time or locum work, there are opportunities across both metro and regional areas.
Common workplaces for vet nurses include:
- General practice clinics – The most common setting, supporting everyday pet health and wellness
- Emergency and specialist hospitals – For those interested in critical care or specialised procedures
- Animal shelters and rescue organisations – Supporting animals in need and contributing to rehoming efforts
- Wildlife centres and zoos – For those passionate about native or exotic species
- Mobile veterinary services – Providing care in homes or on the road
- Equine or large animal practices – Often based in rural or regional locations
- Research facilities and universities – Involved in education or clinical studies
- Veterinary pharmaceutical or supply companies – For nurses interested in sales, training, or product support
These settings offer different challenges, patient types, and career pathways — making it easier to find a role that suits your interests, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
How to find a job as a vet nurse in Australia?
You can start your job search both on-line and in person.
Visit Vet Clinics in person
Starting your job search on foot is a great way to establish key contacts at local clinics and hospitals and get an idea of the services and opportunities available in your area.
If you choose to knock on doors, be sure to dress appropriately to make a fantastic first impression. You should look professional, but not over-dressed (remember nursing is a practical job) and bring a detailed resume, outlining your animal care experience along with copies of your qualifications.
During your visit, it is a great idea to also ask for the Practice Manager’s name or the name of the person responsible for hiring veterinary nurses.
A day or so after your visit, call the practice and ask to discuss your CV with the Practice Manager. If there are no opportunities available, consider asking for recommendations on where to look for similar vacancies. The Practice Manager may be able to give you some insight into local opportunities in the area for animal care related work to give you experience and/or connections in the field.
Network at industry events
There are also several industry events throughout the year which provide great networking opportunities around Australia. Organisations that arrange regular industry events include:
- Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia – primary professional association for vet nurses
- Australian Veterinary Association – organise conferences for both veterinarians and veterinary nurses
Search Online Job Boards
In Australia, there are a handful of specialty job boards specifically for the veterinary industry. In addition, a number of corporately owned practices operate throughout the country, each with their own careers and vacancy pages.
Where to Look Online for a Job as a Veterinary Nurse or Assistant
Start by checking the following websites:
- Kookaburra Vets – A widely used job board for both vets and support staff, including nurses
- Vetlink Employment Service – A specialist job placement service for the veterinary industry
- Seek – A mainstream site that frequently lists vet nurse roles, including positions outside of traditional clinics
- LinkedIn – While still growing in the veterinary space, industry-related jobs are regularly posted
- AVT Graduates Private Facebook Group – If you’re an AVT graduate, make sure you’ve joined our private Facebook group. It’s one of the best places to find job openings shared by fellow graduates, industry contacts, and our team — especially roles that aren’t advertised publicly.
Major employer groups that advertise positions on their own websites include:
- Vet Partners – Includes Vetwest Animal Hospitals (WA) and NVC (East Coast)
- Greencross Vets
- Petstock Vet
How to Prepare for Your Next Veterinary Nursing Job
Make sure your professional profile is up to date:
- A resume tailored to animal care roles
- A LinkedIn profile that showcases your training and passion, including your post-nominals if you’re an AVT graduate
- A well-prepared interview approach
Need help? Explore our guides to writing a vet nurse resume and preparing for interviews.
Just Starting Your Veterinary Nursing Career?
If you’re just starting out and haven’t yet completed a veterinary nurse qualification, we offer the prerequisite qualifications in Animal Care as well as the full qualification, ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
Start your veterinary nursing pathway
Pre-requisite Course
ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Vet Nursing Pathway)
About Vet Nurse Pathway
Vet Nursing Pathway
Online or Oncampus
ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
About Vet Nursing
Veterinary Nursing
Pre-requisite Course
ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Online)
Studying Online
