At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch care for small animals in a supportive team environment.
- Company: Join a reputable independent veterinary practice in beautiful Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, private medical insurance, and CPD funding.
- Other info: Enjoy a structured career pathway and a vibrant social calendar.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Minimum 3 years experience as a small animal vet and a passion for animal welfare.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Hook Norton Hospital and Branch sites, Oxfordshire.
Hours: 4 days per week (8:00 am – 6.30 pm) – other working pattern options considered.
OOH: currently 1:10 full weekends (day shifts) and occasional Saturday morning consult.
Time off: Monday morning off after full weekend; full day off after occasional night shift.
Come and join our large, reputable, independent practice with a dedicated night team, superb remuneration package and structured career pathway for all. Offering both Hospital and Branch work, all situated in stunning locations across Oxfordshire & Gloucestershire.
About the Role:
Our Small Animal Vets are typically based at our busy Hospital in Hook Norton, with some sole charge at our local branches. We offer a fair share of consults, ops, hospital and ambulatory shifts, all supported by our extensive nursing and reception teams. Consults are 15 minutes with consideration for complex cases and administration, all supported by our dedicated SA Coordinator. Our rotas are designed to be realistic and sustainable. Meaning, once your shift ends, you can hand over to our dedicated in‑house night team who look after inpatients and emergencies overnight. We have protocols for best practice, but we also respect and encourage clinical freedom to formulate and carry out your own clinical plans while working alongside a progressive and open‑minded team. We take pride in providing a high standard of care, and we enable and empower our vets to do the same. With a large and loyal client base, you’ll enjoy a full and varied caseload, allowing you to expand your surgical and medical experience. We will support your professional development and recognise special interest areas, along with mentoring from internal staff and a career pathway designed to support your long‑term goals.
Our Clinical Team Includes:
- 19 Small Animal Vets (4 Senior/Director level)
- 17 Registered Veterinary Nurses
- 5 Students and several Assistants
- In‑house laboratory, dedicated pharmacy and dispensary team
About You:
You are a genuine team player and a real ambassador for the Practice. You take pride in doing your job to the best of your ability and think nothing of stepping in to support colleagues when needed to get the job done. You thrive in a busy environment, enjoy the satisfaction of a great day’s work, and value opportunities to learn and develop your skills. Equally, you appreciate the quieter moments to share interesting cases, catch up with colleagues, and further your CPD.
Will bring:
- Minimum 3 years of experience in a similar SA vet role
- Full UK driving licence and own transport (we’re in a beautiful rural setting)
- A collaborative, can‑do attitude with high clinical aspirations
- A genuine passion for animals, farming, equine care and country life
What’s in It for You:
- Competitive salary, experience‑dependent. £38k - £60k DOE.
- Funded RCVS membership & VDS cover
- 7 weeks holiday (increasing with service)
- Private Medical Insurance, comprehensive wellbeing programme & active social calendar
- Generous staff discount scheme
- Structured career pathway – from graduate to director level
- CPD: 1 week/£1,500 per year + funding and support for Certificates
- Access to all XL Vet resources and initiatives
Small Animal Vet Small Animal Dept employer: Hook Norton Veterinary Group LLP
Contact Detail:
Hook Norton Veterinary Group LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Animal Vet Small Animal Dept
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, 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
Show up in person! If you’re eyeing a specific practice, pop in for a chat. Bring your CV and express your interest. It’s a great way to make a memorable impression and show you’re genuinely keen.
✨Tip Number 3
Leverage social media! Follow practices you admire on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram. Engage with their posts and share your own experiences. It’s a fantastic way to get noticed and connect with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for passionate vets like you. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Small Animal Vet Small Animal Dept
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your genuine love for animals and veterinary care in your application. Share any experiences that highlight your dedication to the field, as we value candidates who are truly passionate about what they do.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Small Animal Vet role. Highlight relevant experience, skills, and any special interests you have that align with our practice's values and needs. We want to know how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific aspects of our practice that excite you and how you can help us maintain our high standards of care.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hook Norton Veterinary Group LLP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around small animal care. Familiarise yourself with common procedures and protocols that the practice follows. This will show that you're not only passionate about animals but also serious about your role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in this role, be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues in the past. Highlight any instances where you've stepped in to help out or supported a teammate during busy times. This will demonstrate that you’re a genuine team player.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice, such as their approach to professional development or how they handle complex cases. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and want to understand how you can contribute to their team.
✨Emphasise Your Passion
Let your love for animals and commitment to high standards of care shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your dedication to veterinary medicine and how you align with the practice's values. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.