Vet school
How to Become a Large Animal or Farm Vet in the UK
How to specialise in large animal and farm veterinary work: the route through vet school, the EMS placements that matter, and what a career in farm or equine practice actually involves day to day.
Some students know before they even apply that they want to work with big animals. For some that means farm animals, for others it means horses. The encouraging news is that the route is the same standard veterinary degree, so you do not need to specialise from day one to end up where you want to be.
Farm animal work
Large or farm animal vet usually means treating cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and similar species, often out on farms rather than in a clinic. These species are taught at every vet school as part of the core degree, so no additional qualification is needed after graduation to begin working with them. Plenty of vets go on to gain further certificates once in practice, but that comes later.
Equine work
Equine vets work with horses, and again no extra qualification is required beyond the veterinary degree, as horses are studied thoroughly at all UK schools. Many equine vets do pursue further training and certificates as they build their careers, but you start from the same degree as everyone else.
Choosing a school and building experience
If you are set on big animal work, look at the balance of farm and equine teaching and facilities when you choose a school, which our guide on how to choose the best vet school for you covers. Building work experience on farms and at equine yards also strengthens your application and confirms the path suits you.
Common questions
How do you become a farm or large animal vet?+
You complete the standard five year veterinary degree, which teaches farm species as part of the core course, then choose farm work when you start in practice. No additional qualification is needed to begin, though many vets gain further certificates later.
Do you need extra qualifications to be an equine vet?+
No. Horses are taught thoroughly at every UK vet school, so the standard veterinary degree qualifies you to work with them. Many equine vets pursue further training and certificates as they progress, but that is optional and comes after qualifying.
Which vet school is best for large animal work?+
There is no single best school, but some have stronger farm and equine facilities and more rural clinical exposure than others. If big animal work is your goal, weigh this up when choosing where to apply, and build relevant farm and equine work experience.
Book a free call with a qualified vet
Talk through where you are with Dr Rebecca and leave with a strategic plan for your vet school application. Honest advice, with no pressure and no cost.