Mrs Hall had been bringing spaniels to Megan’s practice for over a decade, so when she asked the consultation fee, it barely registered. When she asked again in reception three days later, it did. By week’s end, there had been a few more pauses around estimates, a couple of extra questions before appointments were booked, and then at dinner with friends, a side remark that veterinary prices were “skyrocketing”. For Megan, what had been a background hum was coming into sharper focus…

When your next pay conversation arrives, the most valuable question may not be “How much more?” Veterinary compensation is becoming far more varied, with practices rethinking how they reward skills, contribution, flexibility and long-term value to attract and retain great people. Whether you are considering a move or perfectly happy where you are, these five models could change what you ask for next…

What will set you apart in veterinary medicine in 2027 may have less to do with acquiring another clinical technique and more to do with how you think. Some of the most valuable abilities are already taking shape in changing client expectations, new ways of delivering care, and what practices increasingly need from their teams. These five stand out, and there’s at least one surprise that will be well outside what you expected to learn next…