At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch care for small animals in a supportive, independent practice.
- Company: Join Hook Norton Veterinary Group, a trusted and innovative veterinary practice.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 7 weeks holiday, and professional development support.
- Other info: Work in stunning rural locations with a dedicated night team and realistic rotas.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while growing your skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experienced small animal vet with VetGDP completion and confidence in consultations and surgery.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced small animal vet looking to develop your career in a supportive, independent practice? At Hook Norton Veterinary Group, you’ll enjoy a varied caseload, modern hospital facilities, a dedicated night team and a collaborative environment that supports clinical freedom and professional growth. With a mix of hospital and branch work, our sites are situated in stunning locations across Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire.
About Us
Hook Norton Veterinary Group is a well‑established, trusted independent mixed practice with separate small animal, farm and equine departments, a great local reputation and a loyal client base built over many years. The practice is owned and managed by six practising Vet Directors who are fully immersed in the daily running of the business, allowing decisions to be made quickly and efficiently without all the red tape. We’re also proud to be one of the founding members of XL Vets, a nationwide community of independent veterinary practices working together to share knowledge and support. Our aim is simple: to deliver the very best care for pets, horses and livestock while maintaining traditional values of compassion, professionalism and approachability.
Across the group we have over 30 vets providing round‑the‑clock care, including our main site at White Hills Surgery in Hook Norton, an RCVS Tier 3 Small Animal Hospital offering 24‑hour patient care. All departments benefit from on‑site laboratory facilities and diagnostic testing to support high‑quality clinical work.
Our Clinical Team Includes:
- 19 small animal vets (4 Senior/Director level), including certificate holders and an Advanced Practitioner in Ophthalmology
- 17 Registered Veterinary Nurses, 5 Students and several Assistants
- A fully staffed in‑house laboratory, dedicated pharmacy and dispensary team
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. 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, recognise your areas of special interest, and offer mentoring from internal staff and a career pathway designed to support your long‑term goals. We take pride in providing a high standard of care and enabling and empowering our vets to do the same. We have best‑practice protocols, but we also respect and encourage clinical freedom to formulate and carry out your own clinical plans while working alongside a progressive, open‑minded team. 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.
About You
If you’re a genuine team player who takes pride in delivering the best possible care, you’ll fit right in at Hook Norton. We’re looking for an experienced small animal vet who has completed their VetGDP and is confident in routine consultations and surgery – someone who enjoys being part of a supportive team and is always happy to step in and help colleagues when needed. You’ll thrive in a busy practice environment and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from a rewarding day’s work. At the same time, you’ll value the opportunity to keep learning, whether that’s developing your clinical skills, discussing interesting cases with colleagues, or continuing your professional development. As we’re based in a beautiful rural setting, a full UK driving licence and your own transport are essential.
The Rota 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
What’s in It for You
- Competitive salary of £38,000 - £60,000, depending on experience
- 7 weeks holiday (increasing with service)
- 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
- Private Medical Insurance, comprehensive wellbeing programme & active social calendar
- Funded RCVS membership & VDS cover
- Generous staff discount scheme
How to Apply
If our small animal vet role sounds good to you, send your CV and short covering letter (including preferred working hours/pattern, notice period and salary expectations) to: careers@hooknortonvets.co.uk Or for an informal chat in the first instance, call us on 01608 730501. Take a look around our website or follow us on social media (Facebook & Instagram) to see what life’s really like at Hook Norton Vets!
Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon employer: Hook Norton Veterinary Group
At Hook Norton Veterinary Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture. Our commitment to professional growth is evident through our structured career pathways, generous CPD funding, and the opportunity to work alongside experienced colleagues in a beautiful rural setting. With competitive salaries, extensive benefits, and a focus on clinical freedom, we empower our small animal vets to deliver exceptional care while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
Contact Details:
Hook Norton Veterinary Group Recruitment 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 fellow vets, attend local veterinary events, and connect with professionals on social media. 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 prepared! When you land that interview, research Hook Norton Veterinary Group thoroughly. Know their values, services, and what makes them unique. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! During interviews, let your personality shine through. They’re looking for a team player who fits into their supportive environment, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for animal care and teamwork.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and really keen on joining the Hook Norton family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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 your experience and skills that are relevant to the small animal vet role. Highlight any special interests or certifications you have, as we love to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you're passionate about veterinary medicine and what excites you about joining Hook Norton. Don’t forget to mention your preferred working hours and salary expectations.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:We’re all about collaboration here at Hook Norton. In your application, give examples of how you’ve worked well in a team and supported your colleagues. We want to know how you’ll fit into our friendly environment!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of getting noticed, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hook Norton Veterinary Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around small animal care. Familiarise yourself with common procedures and recent advancements in veterinary medicine. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also show your passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since Hook Norton values collaboration, be ready to discuss examples of how you've worked effectively in a team. Share stories that highlight your ability to support colleagues and contribute to a positive work environment. This will demonstrate that you're a great fit for their culture.
✨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 your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the practice aligns with your career goals.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The team at Hook Norton is looking for someone who fits into their supportive environment, so being authentic can help you connect with your interviewers on a personal level.
