Salary up to £75,000 DOE plus up to £3,000 relocation allowance
The Practice
Summerhill Veterinary Centre is a friendly, well-equipped, single-site small animal practice that has served Fakenham, Norfolk since 1993.
In mid-April 2026 (before this role starts), we will move into a brand-new purpose-built premises featuring more consulting rooms, hydrotherapy, and separate dog and cat waiting areas and kennels.
We are an RCVS-accredited first-opinion practice that also accepts local referrals and supports veterinary nurse training. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, compassionate care while maintaining a genuinely supportive team environment.
Staff wellbeing and work-life balance are very important to us, reflected in our low turnover and experienced, stable team.
We actively encourage team members to develop their interests and find their niche within the practice.
Located in a welcoming market town, we are close to the North Norfolk coast and the Norfolk Broads, and around 1 hour 45 minutes from central London by train.
At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.
Our Team
We are currently 7 vets and are recruiting an 8th vet to join our supportive team.
Our wider team includes:
- 11 Veterinary Nurses
- 2 Veterinary Care Assistants
- 5 Receptionists
- 4 Administrative Support Staff
We have strong clinical expertise within the team, including multiple certificate holders and RCVS Advanced Practitioners across surgery, medicine, ECC, imaging and ophthalmology.
Our nurses are highly involved clinically and run their own clinics, helping us deliver truly holistic patient care.
The Hours
Standard hours:
Monday to Friday, 08:30-17:30 (with flexibility and scheduled days off)
Out-of-hours:
We provide our own OOH service for registered clients (no routine consultations).
- Weekday on-call: 17:30-08:30
- Weekend duty: Saturday or Sunday (08:30-08:30)
On-call frequency:
- 1 in 7 (Mon-Sat)
- 1 in 8 (Sun)
The rota is shared and may flex slightly depending on team needs.
Because our people matter
We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from -
Work-life balance
- 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
- Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
Wellbeing
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline
- Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
- Initiatives focused on colleague wellbeing
Development
- £1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata
- Certificate support
- Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Academy
- Access to Vetlexicon - our online encyclopaedia provider
- All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
- All our Vets get £1250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund
- Infection Prevention and Control Programme
- Quality Improvement Programme
Professional Memberships
- BVA membership
- VDS cover
- RCVS fees
Colleague Benefits
- Company pension scheme. IVC will make a contribution as well
- Supporting a greener commute to work with a Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, subject to eligibility criteria
- Voluntary benefits: we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of voluntary benefits to suit you
- Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
- Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC practice
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Up to £75,000 DOE
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Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Fakenham employer: Inspiring Vet Care
Inspiring Vet Care in Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for the Director of Practice & Clinical Services to lead a dynamic team in a supportive and collaborative environment. With a strong focus on professional development, flexible working patterns, and a commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The practice's dedication to high clinical standards and continuous improvement ensures that you will be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values your contributions and fosters growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Fakenham
✨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 Inspiring Vet Care 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 Inspiring Vet Care
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Inspiring Vet Care. 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 Inspiring Vet Care.
✨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 Inspiring Vet Care.
✨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 Inspiring Vet Care.
