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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide exceptional care to small animals and engage in exciting surgical procedures.
- Company: Join an award-winning independent practice on the beautiful Norfolk coast.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, relocation support, and professional development funding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while enjoying a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Experienced veterinary surgeon with confidence in routine consultations and surgeries.
- Other info: Enjoy a balanced work-life with no out-of-hours shifts and a friendly community.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join an Award-Winning Independent Practice on the Norfolk Coast. We’re excited to be recruiting for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly, independent team at Coastal Vets. Recently named Practice of the Year at the Petplan Veterinary Awards 2025, our team was recognised for the care, compassion and dedication we show to both pets and their owners every day. Winning this award was incredibly special for us as an independent practice and reflects the supportive, compassionate culture we’ve built together.
We’re a family-oriented 7.5-vet practice based in the beautiful village of Snettisham, Norfolk. Our practice originally started as a purely ambulatory service, but as demand grew, we established a permanent base and have continued to develop ever since, including a full rebuild of our main premises in 2017 and the opening of a consult-only branch clinic in Burnham Market. Today, we’re proud to be a progressive, supportive practice where people enjoy coming to work.
Why Join Coastal Vets?
We’re a close-knit, friendly team with vets ranging from recent graduates to colleagues with nearly 2 decades of experience. Whatever stage you’re at in your career, we can provide the right environment to help you progress, follow your interests, and continue developing your skills. Our vets have a variety of interests, and we’re always happy to share our knowledge and expertise. Miriam has an imaging certificate, and Teresa is undertaking a cardiology certificate. If you’d like to pursue a certificate yourself, we’ll happily support and fund it. Equally, if you want mentorship to develop in a particular discipline, our experienced team is always keen to help. Our vets are supported by a fantastic team of 9 RVNs, 1 VCA who is about to begin nurse training, and 5 experienced receptionists.
A Word From the Team
Since starting at Coastal Vets as a new graduate, the vets, nurses and reception team have all been extremely supportive during the early stages of my career. The ethos of the practice aligns with my values and enables me to work to the best of my ability. I cannot recommend Coastal Vets enough! Alex MRCVS. I’ve worked at Coastal Vets for the last seven years as Head Nurse. The team is progressive and supportive, and we are encouraged to grow professionally and personally. The working environment is positive, and we enjoy building good relationships with our clients. Karen, Head RVN.
The Role
We’re looking for an experienced veterinary surgeon who is confident with routine consultations and surgery. Our caseload can support a surgical bias, so whether you already hold a surgical certificate or would like to pursue one, we’ll support you in developing those skills. One of the unique aspects of our work is our involvement with Hunstanton Sealife Centre and Norfolk’s Seal Rescue, which rehabilitates both common and grey seal species from Norfolk and the surrounding counties. This work brings a fascinating dynamic to the practice and has seen us treat everything from x-raying a penguin to operating on catfish, rays and even a shark!
Facilities & Equipment
Our new purpose-built premises are fully equipped to enable you to work up your cases and deliver excellent patient care. Our lead vet, Chris, is always keen to invest in new equipment and is currently exploring adding a cytology machine. Our facilities include:
- DR digital & dental x-ray
- Ultrasound with colour flow Doppler
- Tono-Pen
- Full Idexx in-house lab equipment, including urinalysis machine
Work–Life Balance
We believe happy vets provide the best care, so we structure our rota carefully. Full-time vets work:
- 4-day week with a set day off (8.30 am to 6.30 pm)
- 3 in 14 Saturday mornings (9 am–12 pm)
- No out-of-hours or on-call (OOH outsourced)
Our shifts are shared equally and include an operating shift, a consult-only shift, and a mixed consult/operating shift, giving you plenty of opportunity to practise the skills you already have while continuing to develop new ones with the support of the team. We also schedule dedicated time for admin, phone calls and breaks, helping ensure your day stays manageable. We still provide occasional house visits for long-standing clients, a legacy of our ambulatory roots. These are scheduled three afternoons per week and covered voluntarily.
Salary & Benefits
Salary of £45,000 – £60,000, depending on experience. £2,000 welcome bonus in addition to the first month’s salary to help with relocation costs, etc. Accommodation available during relocation. 5 weeks holiday, plus bank holidays. Generous CPD budget with certificates supported and funded. RCVS, VDS and BVA fees paid. Private health insurance and Employee Assistance Programme. Pension. Employee discount scheme. Visa sponsorship available.
Life in Norfolk
Norfolk is a truly special place of unspoilt charm and natural beauty. From the stunning coastline to the peaceful countryside of the Norfolk Broads, the area is perfect for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. There are countless opportunities to get outside, with many places to walk or cycle, as well as activities such as paddleboarding, kitesurfing and sailing along the coast. Our practice is located in Snettisham, recently voted Norfolk’s friendliest village. It’s home to boutique shops, cosy pubs and excellent restaurants, including the award-winning 14th-century Rose & Crown Inn and the Michelin-featured Old Bank restaurant. We’re also next door to Wild Ken Hill, a pioneering rewilding project where Springwatch and Autumnwatch have been filmed. The nearby RSPB reserve offers spectacular wildlife sightings — including huge flocks of pink-footed geese flying overhead during winter.
Interested?
If you’d like to join an award-winning, supportive independent practice where you can develop your career while enjoying life on the Norfolk coast, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch for an informal chat or click apply now.
Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon employer: Coastal Veterinary Group
Contact Detail:
Coastal Veterinary Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings at places like Coastal Vets.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best work, whether it's case studies, photos of procedures, or testimonials from clients. This can really set you apart when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to practices you admire, like Coastal Vets. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the practice's values and recent achievements. For instance, knowing about Coastal Vets' award-winning status can help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested in joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with what we're looking for. Highlight any surgical experience or special interests you have, as we love to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to show us your personality! Share why you're excited about joining Coastal Vets and how our values resonate with you. A personal touch goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Showcase Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for veterinary medicine and animal care. Whether it's through your previous roles or volunteer work, let us know what drives you and how you connect with pets and their owners.
Apply Through Our Website: To make things easier for both of us, please apply directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application gets to the right place and you can keep track of your progress with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coastal Veterinary Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around small animal care and surgery. Familiarise yourself with common procedures and any recent advancements in veterinary medicine that might come up during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for animal care shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your dedication to veterinary practice and how you connect with both pets and their owners.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice, such as their approach to continuing education or how they support their team’s professional development. This shows you're genuinely interested in being part of their supportive culture.
✨Be Yourself
Coastal Vets values a friendly and compassionate atmosphere, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through. Be open about your career goals and how you see yourself fitting into their close-knit team.