Key Findings
● Experience and Pay:
Veterinarians reported higher levels of experience than non-veterinarians, with salaries ranging widely. The median annual salary for vets was $118,000, while non-veterinarians earned a median of $60,160. Nurses and technicians showed consistent but modest earnings, with limited scope for salary progression.
● After-Hours Work:
For those involved in weekend and overnight duties, remuneration models varied significantly. Some were paid standard hourly rates, others received no additional compensation beyond their salary. Only one vet reported receiving a day in lieu. These findings highlight the need for clearer, fairer after-hours pay structures and contract transparency.
● Diversity and Inclusion:
Respondents were predominantly cis women and overwhelmingly Pākehā/European, with underrepresentation of Māori, Pasifika, and other ethnicities. A small but meaningful proportion identified as LGBTQIA+, and several respondents reported living with chronic illness or mental health conditions. These findings reinforce the need for a more inclusive and supportive professional culture.
● Mental Health and Retention:
Mental health concerns were the most common form of disability reported. Many respondents commented on burnout, low pay, and toxic workplaces, consistent with past surveys. Yet nearly half felt at least somewhat positive about the future of the profession, and the majority expected to stay in the industry for at least the next five years.
● Professional Values and Public Policy:
There was strong support for regulatory measures to improve animal welfare, such as breeder and owner licensing schemes. Climate change mitigation efforts were inconsistent across clinics, and there appeared to be limited understanding of what constitutes effective climate action beyond recycling.
● Unionisation and Advocacy:
A majority of respondents expressed willingness to join a veterinary union, especially at lower membership costs. This indicates a growing appetite for collective advocacy and structural reform within the profession.
Concluding Thoughts
This report reaffirms many of the challenges that veterinary professionals in Aotearoa continue to face: pay disparities, after-hours inequities, and systemic under-resourcing of non-veterinarian roles. But it also shows signs of collective awareness, willingness to engage in reform, and cautious optimism. Importantly, some respondents noted that the previous survey had directly helped them improve their work conditions — a powerful endorsement of transparency and solidarity.
With growing interest in unionisation, AMS implementation, and structural reforms like licensing and disease surveillance, this data can be a foundation for policy, advocacy, and workplace change. These results should empower veterinary professionals, employers, and policymakers to act — not only with insight, but with intention.