Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

Are you an experienced vet looking for a fresh challenge, a supportive team, and the chance to shape the future of a much-loved independent practice—all while enjoying a full‑time role over just three days a week?

Hopwood Veterinary Centre is a proudly independent, small animal practice based near the scenic Lickey Hills, on the southern edge of Birmingham. Established 20 years ago by our Practice Principal, Cara, Hopwood Vets has grown into a trusted, community‑focused clinic. At Hopwood Vets, we know that every pet is unique, with their own quirks, needs, and personality—and that’s exactly how we treat them. We don’t believe in a one‑size‑fits‑all approach to veterinary care. Instead, we take the time to get to know our patients (and their people), building genuine, lasting relationships built on trust and understanding.

That same thoughtful, individualised approach extends to our team. We truly value the unique strengths each team member brings, actively supporting both personal and professional growth, and we’re there for one another through any of life’s ups and downs. Respect, trust, and kindness are at the core of everything we do—and it shows. Many of our team members have been with us for over a decade, creating a warm, close‑knit environment where you’re encouraged to grow, your voice is genuinely heard, and people feel truly valued. Here’s what the team says:

“I was anxious at first about starting somewhere new — the fear of the unknown, the doubt about whether it would be the right move for me. But from the very first day I arrived, I knew I belonged. I only wish I had come sooner.” Emily, RVN

“I have to second what Emily said. My Testimonial would be very similar. I was made to feel welcome from the very start. Having worked 30+ years for the NHS, it was a huge move for me to make. Nothing is too much trouble for Cara; she really looks after us all. Everyone looks out for each other as a family does. Thank you for making me feel part of it.” Debbie, Receptionist

“I can only reiterate and wholeheartedly agree with the others\’ comments. I have worked for Cara for 20 years, so I’m one of the longest‑serving current staff members. I say staff, but as mentioned by others, it\’s really being part of a family. Everyone helps you through bad times, enjoys your good times and will always support you. Everyone is valued for what they bring to the team. I feel that everyone is a friend.” Shen, RVN

“Cara is an incredibly kind, caring, generous and supportive boss who always has your back. She makes it her business to know and understand her staff, always remembering important events and marking significant dates. As a practice, everyone gets stuck in. We help each other and support each other. We don\’t say, \’That\’s not my job\’ (apart from the obvious roles!!). When it\’s busy, vets help at reception and receptionists help as bum stops! At the end of the night, everyone helps tidy, clean up and reset for the next day. The reason it is like this is because of Cara. Cara is a boss who leads by example – It is not uncommon for her to be on nursing duties, helping at reception or cleaning. The low turnover of staff clearly shows that we enjoy working for Cara. And, working with each other.” Kate, Receptionist

We’re looking for a confident and compassionate vet who shares this ethos to join us. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with leadership experience—or a desire to grow into that role—who is keen to work collaboratively alongside our experienced vets. You will play an active role in shaping the future of the practice, with the potential to step into a partnership role in the future.

Cara and Liz both enjoy the variety being a GP vet brings, and our brilliant 2022 Bristol graduate, Marcus, enjoys consulting and small furries, while also building his confidence in surgery (particularly dentistry). We are a nurse training practice with an experienced team of 4 RVNs (and are actively recruiting for a 5th) and 1 SVN, as well as an excellent client care team.

We have all the usual kit you’d expect in a first‑opinion practice, and could easily support someone with an interest in orthopaedics. For complex cases, we offer referral options to our trusted local referral centres, which include The Willows, West Midlands Veterinary Referrals, and Blaise Veterinary Referral Hospital.

Ideally, this is a full‑time role with a 3‑day week (8.30 am – 7 pm), and it would be great if you could commit to a 2:4 share of Saturday morning consultations (8.30 am – 1 pm). However, don’t let this be a deal breaker if you have other commitments to work around, as we’re happy to chat about alternative options, such as a 4‑day week or a 1:4 Saturday rota. Our appointments are generally 20 minutes long, with time allocated during the day for phone calls, admin, and most importantly, lunch. Our out‑of‑hours service is outsourced to The Willows, who also look after any inpatients, meaning your evenings, Sundays, and bank holidays are free to enjoy.

We\’re a close‑knit team that genuinely enjoys spending time together. Beyond our festive Christmas parties and special birthday celebrations, you\’ll often find us socialising in smaller groups outside of work. Whether it\’s unwinding with live music at the local bar on a Friday evening or catching up over a relaxed meal, these moments help strengthen our bond. We\’ve built more than just a team—we’ve created a supportive “little family” where everyone looks out for one another.

Our community spirit goes beyond the workplace, and each year, one of us selects a charity that\’s close to their heart, and we all unite to raise funds. Our crafty team members often create and sell handmade items—such as treat cones and candles—with all the proceeds going to the chosen charity, like the air ambulance.

The Lickey Hills are perfect for enjoying the outdoors, offering scenic walks and a variety of dog‑friendly trails. For those craving the buzz of city life, central Birmingham is just a 15‑minute train ride away, with its vibrant mix of shopping, dining, culture, and nightlife. The city also boasts plenty of green spaces and miles of picturesque canals. There are excellent transport links to the rest of the UK, and Birmingham International Airport is easily reached in under 30 minutes.

We offer:

• A salary of £45,000 to £60,000, depending on experience
• A 3‑day week, with a 1:4 or 2:4 share of Saturday mornings only
• No out‑of‑hours duty
• 5 weeks’ holiday, plus bank holidays
• CPD encouraged, with certificates supported
• Professional fees paid (RCVS and VDS)
• Employee discount

If you would like to enjoy working with our close‑knit, supportive team, please call us for an informal chat or apply now.