Veterinary nurses usually work in veterinary clinics, surgeries or consulting rooms. They work as part of a team alongside other veterinary nurses and doctors, and may be expected to work irregular hours. As the work often involves sick animals it may be unpleasant at times, and can involve liaising with clients about their pet's illness or death.

Veterinary nurses in Western Australia may work in urban or suburban veterinary clinics, or may be involved in the farming industry in regional areas like the Wheatbelt or the Kimberley.

Veterinary nurses work often alongside veterinary doctors or surgeons during operations and other medical procedures, and as such are usually required to be familiar with the equipment and instruments used during these procedures. These may include ultrasound and radiographic machines, and surgical equipment like forceps, clamps, scissors and scalpels. Most veterinary nurses will also need to be familiar with general medical equipment like thermometers, stethoscopes and otoscopes. Some veterinary nurses may also need to be familiar with specialised animal orthopaedic equipment.