Permanent SA Vet – Proudly Independent Practice
Location: Mainly at Hook Norton Hospital with some sole charge at Branch Sites
Hours: 4 days (8am–6.30pm) with other working pattern options considered
OOH: approx 1:10 full weekends (days only), further details on application
Time off: Monday afternoon off after full weekend; full day off after occasional night shift
Looking for clinical freedom, a varied caseload and room to grow in a practice that remains genuinely independent? At Hook Norton Veterinary Group, you will combine modern hospital facilities with the personal connection of a community practice with branch sites, backed by a substantial clinical team and a dedicated in-house night team. With a four day working week, seven weeks’ holiday and CPD support for your next career step, there’s plenty to look forward to at work and beyond it.
About the Role
You will be based mainly at our busy Small Animal Hospital in Hook Norton, with some sole-charge work at our local branches, all within a 20 minute radius. A balanced mix of consults, ops, hospital and ambulatory shifts brings variety to your week, with support from our extensive nursing, reception and administration teams. With an in-house lab, 24-hour hospitalisation facilities and extensive surgery and scanning facilities, you will be fully enabled to investigate and manage a broad range of cases. Our 15 minute consults include consideration for complex cases and administration, with support from our dedicated Small Animal Coordinator and in patient booking team. Rotas are designed to be realistic and sustainable, with handover to our dedicated in-house night team for overnight inpatient and emergency care. We pride ourselves on offering a holistic services to our clients by providing our own OOH. To support this, you will participate in our weekend day OOH and occasional nights if and when required with time off in recompense.
Here, clinical freedom and collaboration go hand in hand. Alongside best-practice protocols, you’ll have the freedom to develop and carry out your own clinical plans, share ideas and discuss cases with a progressive, open-minded team. We take pride in high standards of care and give our vets the support to deliver them.
Our loyal client base brings a full and varied medical and surgical caseload, with opportunities to build your experience and develop your special interests. Whether you want to deepen your clinical skills, pursue a certificate or work towards greater responsibility, you’ll have internal mentoring, funded development and a structured career pathway to support your long-term goals.
Our Clinical Team Includes:
- 19 SA Vets (5 Senior/Director level)
- 17 RVNs, 5 Students and several Assistants
- A fully staffed in-house lab, dedicated pharmacy & dispensary team
About You
You’re an experienced small animal vet who enjoys a varied working day, takes pride in excellent patient care and values being part of a collaborative, supportive team. You’ll be comfortable with some sole-charge branch work, keen to keep developing and ready to contribute your ideas as well as your clinical skills. You enjoy sharing interesting cases, learning from colleagues and supporting those around you. Alongside the pace of a busy practice, you value the opportunities to connect with your team and focus on your CPD.
You’ll bring:
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar UK based role
- Full UK driving licence and own transport (we are 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 range, depending on experience (£40-65K)
- 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
- One week of CPD and £1,500 per year, plus funding and support for certificates
- Access to all XL Vet resources and initiatives
About Us
Hook Norton Veterinary Group is a well-established independent mixed practice, owned and managed by 5 practising Vet Directors and 4 Divisional Directors. With separate small animal, farm and equine departments, we combine modern veterinary care with the compassion, approachability and lasting client relationships of a local practice. Our directors work within the business every day, keeping decision-making close to the people delivering patient care.
Our hospital and branches in Hook Norton, Charlbury, Deddington and Moreton-in-Marsh serve communities across Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. If you’re looking for a rewarding clinical role in a beautiful rural setting, with countryside on your doorstep, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.
We’re a well-established, trusted independent practice with a great local reputation. We’re also proud founding members of XL Vets, a nationwide community of independent practices working together to share knowledge and support. Learn more at www.xlvets.co.uk
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Permanent Small Animal Vet in Hook Norton employer: Hook Norton Veterinary Group
Hook Norton Veterinary Group is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Small Animal Night Vets to thrive in a supportive and independent practice. With a generous 1-week-on, 2-weeks-off rota, private medical insurance, and a commitment to professional development, employees can enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance while providing top-notch care to their patients. The collaborative culture, manageable caseloads, and emphasis on continuity of care make this a rewarding environment for veterinary professionals looking to make a meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
Hook Norton Veterinary Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Permanent Small Animal Vet in Hook Norton
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Hook Norton Veterinary Group often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hook Norton Veterinary Group
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Hook Norton Veterinary Group. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Hook Norton Veterinary Group.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Hook Norton Veterinary Group.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Hook Norton Veterinary Group.
