Dog nurse

What does a Dog Veterinary Nurse do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Dog Veterinary Nurse works with care and medical treatment of dogs within veterinary medicine, often at clinics, animal hospitals, or veterinary stations. Tasks include assisting during surgeries, sampling, medication, wound care, and patient monitoring. Contact with pet owners is a central part of the profession, providing information and advice on care and treatment. The work is performed both independently and as part of a team with veterinarians and other veterinary staff. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, physical activity, and sometimes emotionally demanding situations where animal welfare is the focus.

Salary development over time

The salary for Dog Veterinary Nurses has developed positively over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,200 SEK per month, which increased to 31 800 SEK in 2023 and reached 33 400 SEK in 2024. The total increase over three years amounts to approximately 10.6%, reflecting a relatively strong salary growth within the veterinary sector. Contributing factors include the growing demand for qualified animal care staff and increased requirements for education and certification. The market has also been influenced by an increasing number of specialized animal clinics and greater awareness of animal health, leading to competitive salaries. Despite the salary increases, some differences between genders and based on education level remain.

Dog Veterinary Nurse Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 33 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,300 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 40,300 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 201 SEK
• Women: 33 300 SEK/month (97% of men's salary)
• Men: 34 500 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on clinic size and location, with higher wages in metropolitan areas.

Education and Qualifications

To work as a Dog Veterinary Nurse, a high school education with a focus on animals is usually required, supplemented with post-secondary courses in animal healthcare. Practical experience and sometimes certification are important merits, especially for employment at specialized animal hospitals. Some employers may require specific training or internship periods to ensure sufficient competence in the field.

• High school education: Animal care program with a focus on veterinary medicine (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: Veterinary nursing education (1–2 years)
• Certification: Possibility of licensure after approved exams and internship
• Internship: Often a requirement for workplace-based learning or practical periods
• Prerequisites: Some experience with animal handling and interest in medical questions are recommended

Common Benefits and Compensation

Common benefits for Dog Veterinary Nurses include wellness allowances, opportunities for further training and skill development, and extra compensation for unsociable hours. Some workplaces also offer work attire, subsidized meals, and discounts on pet-related products or services. Larger animal hospitals may also include pension contributions and insurance as part of the employment package.

Competition and Challenges

Competition for positions as a Dog Veterinary Nurse can vary depending on the region and specialization. Nationally, there are good employment opportunities, but the profession is characterized by a paradox where there are recruitment difficulties even though many work part-time. Challenges include high workload, sometimes stressful situations, and the need to handle animals in stress or pain. The profession also requires continuous updating of knowledge in animal health and medical routines. Despite these challenges, the variation and the opportunity to work closely with animals attract many to the field.

Tips for aspiring Dog Veterinary Nurses

To succeed as a Dog Veterinary Nurse, it is important to have a strong sense of responsibility and accuracy, which are crucial for medication and record-keeping. A genuine interest in animals and their welfare facilitates daily contact with patients and pet owners. Good teamwork and communication skills are vital, as the work often involves collaboration and advising pet owners. Being resilient and flexible is also an advantage, as the pace can be high and unexpected situations occur regularly. Practical experience, such as through internships or volunteer work, provides valuable insights and improves employability. Keeping up to date with new research in animal healthcare enhances competence and opens up more career paths. Finally, empathy and the ability to handle emotionally demanding situations are essential qualities to thrive and develop in the profession.

Key facts about Dog Veterinary Nurses

• Education level: High school and post-secondary education in animal care
• Work environment: Animal hospitals, clinics, and veterinary practices
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
• Number of job openings: 375 (within the profession)
• Special skills: Medical treatment, sampling, and handling of dogs

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Dog Veterinary Nurse, there are opportunities to specialize further in areas such as anesthesia, rehabilitation, or advanced small animal care. It is also common to move into leadership roles, such as team leader or clinic manager. According to the Swedish Employment Service’s forecast for the veterinary nursing profession, job prospects are expected to remain strong, with stable demand over the next five years. Recruitment difficulties persist, especially in certain regions, which can facilitate faster career advancement for those with the right skills and experience. Part-time work is common, but full-time positions are increasingly available at larger clinics and hospitals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Veterinary Nurses

• What is the average salary for a Dog Veterinary Nurse?
  - The average salary is 33 400 SEK per month.
• How has the salary development been for Dog Veterinary Nurses?
  - Salaries have increased from 30,200 SEK (2022) to 33 400 SEK (2024), which is an increase of just over 10% over three years.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn 34 500 SEK while women earn 33 300 SEK, meaning women earn 97% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a Dog Veterinary Nurse?
  - High school education with a focus on animals and post-secondary courses in animal healthcare are recommended.
• What is the job market like for Dog Veterinary Nurses?
  - Opportunities for employment are plentiful, with approximately 375 job openings within the profession.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for Dog Veterinary Nurses?
  - The highest salary is 40,300 SEK and the lowest is 31,300 SEK, depending on education, experience, and employment type.
• Are there regional salary differences for Dog Veterinary Nurses?
  - Yes, salaries can be higher in metropolitan regions compared to smaller towns.