Allied veterinary professional retention in New Zealand

Veterinary nursing in Aotearoa (New Zealand) is a relatively young profession, with formal registration frameworks only established in 2015. Despite its growing importance, retention of allied veterinary professionals, including veterinary nurses, technologists and animal healthcare assistants, remains a significant challenge. This study explores factors influencing retention, drawing on 181 survey responses, including 104 from allied veterinary professionals currently in clinical practice. Respondents reported an average of 8 years in practice, with many working full-time and some holding multiple jobs. While many expressed satisfaction with patient care and teamwork, 36% reported moderate to low satisfaction, citing long hours, low pay, toxic environments and limited career progression. Notably, 83 respondents had considered leaving clinical practice, and 74 had contemplated leaving the veterinary industry entirely. Key challenges included financial strain, lack of professional recognition, poor workplace culture and limited mental health support. Despite these issues, many allied veterinary professionals remained due to intrinsic motivators such as passion for animals and supportive teams. This research highlights a passionate yet strained workforce and underscores the need to better understand and begin to address the systemic barriers impacting retention.