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- Tasks: Provide exceptional care to small animals in a supportive, collaborative environment.
- Company: Friars Moor Vets, an independent practice with a close-knit team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Enjoy clinical freedom and make a real impact in a beautiful countryside setting.
- Qualifications: Experienced small animal vet with confidence in consultations and routine surgery.
- Other info: Join a friendly team that values work-life balance and community spirit.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 66000 ÂŁ per year.
Are you an experienced small animal vet looking for a place that truly feels like home — with clinical freedom, a supportive team, and countryside views that make you smile every morning? Welcome to Friars Moor Vets – proudly independent, proudly Dorset, and proud of the close-knit team we’ve built since 1957.
Why Friars Moor? Here, you’ll be part of a team that values people as much as patients, independence as much as innovation, and teamwork as much as talent. We combine the best of traditional, personal veterinary care with the freedom and flexibility that only true independence allows.
Here’s why our team love working at Friars Moor:
- Clinical development and career growth opportunities
- A friendly, down-to‑earth team who genuinely enjoy what they do
- Freedom to pursue your clinical interests and leadership roles
- Outstanding work‑life balance in a stunning countryside setting
- Stability and security in a proudly independent practice that’s here for the long haul
If you’re looking for a place where you can grow, laugh, learn, and truly belong — this might just be it.
A bit about us: We’re a well‑established small animal practice with three branches in the stunning Blackmore Vale – Sturminster Newton, Shaftesbury, and Blandford – serving a loyal client base across Dorset, Wiltshire, and Somerset. We combine exceptional care with a personal touch, building lasting relationships with both clients and their beloved pets.
As a proudly independent practice, we’re run by vets who still work on the ground. That means we understand the realities of practice life and are committed to giving our team genuine clinical freedom, collaborative support, and opportunities for growth. We’re also active members of XLVets and part of the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme, blending modern clinical excellence with the warmth and continuity of a true community practice.
Your future team: Our fantastic nine‑vet team brings together years of experience and a wide range of interests – from medicine and surgery to ophthalmology and beyond. There’s always someone ready to lend a hand or share advice, and we enjoy a varied, stimulating caseload with plenty of opportunities to learn from one another.
We hold weekly clinical meetings for case discussions (and the occasional guest talk), encouraging collaboration and continual learning. Our WhatsApp group keeps everyone connected day‑to‑day, making it easy to bounce ideas off each other or get a quick second opinion. You’ll be supported by an exceptional group of experienced RVNs and support staff who are as passionate about patient care as you are. Many rotate across branches to maintain consistency and connection, ensuring you always feel part of one cohesive team. Everyone here is approachable — there are no egos, just a genuine, friendly culture where people share cases, ideas, and even snacks in equal measure.
Our facilities: Each of our branches is modern, welcoming, and well‑equipped, with digital X‑ray, ultrasound, K‑laser, in‑house lab, and all the usual toys you’d expect. We also work closely with visiting orthopaedic surgeons from Rata and have excellent relationships with local referral practices, including Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists.
Our rota – fair and friendly: Our full‑time vets work a four‑day week (8:30 am–6:30 pm), with a set day off that actually stays your day off. You’ll usually work across two of our three branches, enjoying a mix of consulting and operating shifts to keep each day varied and interesting. We understand the demands of veterinary life and truly welcome flexible working – whether that means adjusting your schedule to fit family commitments or choosing the branch that best suits your commute.
Yes, we still do our own out‑of‑hours – but before you scroll on, it’s genuinely manageable and an opportunity for growth and discovery. We share our OOH rota with a neighbouring practice, meaning you’ll be on call roughly one weeknight every fortnight and one full weekend in ten (and in reality, it’s usually less). The Saturday rota is just 1 in 12, which includes Friday night on‑call and Saturday morning consults (8:30 am–1:00 pm). Our dedicated OOH nurses handle the phones and provide overnight support, so you’re never flying solo.
Who we’re looking for: We’re looking for an experienced small animal vet who’s confident in first‑opinion consultations and routine surgery, and who enjoys the variety and continuity of general practice. You’ll thrive in a supportive, collaborative team, value your clinical independence, and love building strong relationships – with colleagues, clients, and the animals you care for. Whatever your passion — medicine, surgery, or another area — we’ll fully support your development, whether that’s working towards a certificate or helping to grow a particular service. This is a role where you can grow, explore your clinical interests, and really make your mark, all while being part of a team that genuinely enjoys what they do.
What’s on offer:
- Salary: £55,000–£75,000 (depending on experience)
- 4‑day week with a set day off
- 6.6 weeks’ holiday (including bank holidays)
- Relocation assistance considered for the right candidate
- Generously funded CPD, with support for certificates and career development
- Private medical insurance (Vitality) & Employee Assistance Programme
- RCVS, BSAVA, and VDS fees paid
- Comprehensive pension scheme
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme
- Visa sponsorship available
Life beyond work: We’re lucky to live and work in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, with rolling green hills, woodland walks, and friendly market towns. The coast is just an hour away, and you’ll find national treasures like Longleat and Stourhead practically on your doorstep. Our team make the most of it too — with dog walks, beach trips (aptly named “Dip and Chip” days!), annual BBQs with the Friars Moor Livestock Health team, and the occasional bake‑off. There’s always something going on for those who want to get involved.
Ready to join a team that values your skills, your ideas, and your well‑being? Get in touch today and discover how Friars Moor Vets could be the place you’ve been looking for.
Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in England employer: Friars Moor Veterinary Clinic
Contact Detail:
Friars Moor Veterinary Clinic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in England
✨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 or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the practice thoroughly. Know their values, services, and team culture. This way, you can tailor your answers to show how you fit right into their friendly, down-to-earth vibe.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion during interviews! Share stories about your experiences with animals and how you've made a difference in their care. This will help you connect with the team and demonstrate that you truly belong in a place like Friars Moor.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining their fantastic team.
We think you need these skills to ace Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for small animal care shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your dedication to veterinary medicine and how you connect with both pets and their owners.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role at Friars Moor. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with our values of independence, teamwork, and clinical freedom. We want to see how you fit into our close-knit team!
Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We’re looking for someone who will fit into our friendly culture, so a bit of humour or personal touch can go a long way in making your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Friars Moor!
How to prepare for a job interview at Friars Moor Veterinary Clinic
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your clinical knowledge and be ready to discuss your experiences with small animal cases. Familiarise yourself with common procedures and any specific interests you have, as this practice values clinical independence and innovation.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Friars Moor Vets prides itself on a supportive team culture. Be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues in the past. Highlight your ability to build relationships with both clients and pets, as teamwork is key in their environment.
✨Embrace the Countryside Vibe
Since the practice is located in a stunning countryside setting, express your enthusiasm for working in such an environment. Mention any outdoor activities you enjoy or how you appreciate a work-life balance, which aligns with their values.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice's approach to clinical development and team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in growing within the role and helps you gauge if the practice is the right fit for you.