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- Tasks: Provide compassionate care to small animals and manage a varied caseload.
- Company: Join Meopham Vets, a family-owned veterinary hospital in Kent.
- Benefits: Starting salary from ÂŁ40,000+, 5 weeks holiday, and exceptional CPD support.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team culture and beautiful countryside living.
- Why this job: Shape your career with flexible roles and real clinical opportunities.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree and a passion for animal care.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
Build your career your way, with the clinical support and caseload to back it up.
Who are we? Meopham Vets is an independent, family-owned small animal hospital in Kent led by Dr Martin Hobbs, with three well-equipped sister practices in Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Swanscombe, and we’re continuing to grow. With a new branch opening in East Malling and further expansion on the horizon, this is an exciting time to join us. Our mission is to provide compassionate, high-quality care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As an RCVS-accredited Veterinary Hospital, we have vets and nurses on site around the clock, meaning our patients are never alone and our clinical standards never drop. We’re proud to run our own in-house OOH service, supported by a dedicated night team, giving our day vets true work-life balance.
Why join us? Because this isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” role. We’re looking for the right people, not a rigid checklist. That might be:
- A vet with some experience under their belt who is looking to grow in confidence and find their niche
- A surgically-minded vet keen to develop at certificate level
- An experienced clinician ready to take on more complex cases or referrals
What matters most to us? Attitude, curiosity, and a genuine love of clinical work.
What makes us different?
- A genuinely supportive team: We’re a close-knit team of 18 vets with a wide range of experience and certificate holders across surgery, medicine, ECC, diagnostic imaging, ophthalmology, and anaesthesia. Collaboration is part of daily life, so there’s always someone willing to help and discuss cases.
- Real clinical opportunity: You’ll work on a genuinely varied caseload, including referred cases from across the South East, with the ability to fully work up and follow cases through. This is a role where you can build confidence, continuity, and clinical ownership.
- Surgical development encouraged: If surgery is your thing, you’ll find real opportunity here—from routine procedures to laparoscopy and exposure to orthopaedics such as TPLOs.
- Fully equipped sites—not just a “main hospital”: Our branches are genuinely well-equipped, with theatres, imaging and dedicated dental suites, so you won’t feel limited working outside the hospital.
- A culture of learning and progression: We actively support career development at every stage, whether that’s building confidence in general practice, pursuing a certificate, or developing into more senior clinical or leadership responsibilities over time.
Weekly clinical clubs, regular in-house medical and surgical training, strong support for certificates, with dedicated funding and protected CPD time to support your development, teaching opportunities through our ongoing partnership with the University of Surrey, supporting EMS students and clinical training.
Facilities: We’ve invested heavily in giving our team the tools they need, including:
- 16-slice CT
- Laparoscopy
- Digital radiography & ultrasound
- Endoscopy (including paediatric bronchoscopy)
- Full in-house lab (blood gas, coagulation, etc.)
We also offer a wide range of complementary services, including hydrotherapy provided by experienced, qualified therapists, physiotherapy, acupuncture, a canine behaviourist and in-house grooming.
The role: This is a flexible, mixed hospital and branch role that can be shaped around your interests and clinical strengths. The working week is varied and structured to support both development and work-life balance. You’ll have dedicated operating days where you can focus purely on surgery without the interruption of consults, alongside other days that combine consultations, procedures and case work-ups—allowing you to follow cases through and build continuity. Shifts are spread across the week, typically ranging from 8:30 am–4 pm, 9 am–5 pm and 12 pm–7:30 pm, creating a balanced and sustainable rhythm to the working day. Weekend work is shared fairly across the team, with daytime shifts (8 am–7:15 pm) and a clear, structured handover to the night team. Time off in lieu is always provided, and wherever possible, arranged to give you a long weekend. No routine night work: Thanks to our dedicated night team, there are no routine nights. Our day vets only provide occasional overnight support to cover annual leave—typically around three nights per year.
What we offer: Salary starting from ÂŁ40,000+, depending on experience, accommodation available if required, 5 weeks holiday + bank holidays (increasing with service), exceptional CPD study time and funding, with certificates supported, generous staff discounts, a genuinely flexible and supportive working environment.
The location: Based in Kent, we’re surrounded by beautiful countryside yet incredibly well connected. With easy access to the M25 and high-speed rail links, you can be in London St Pancras in under 20 minutes from nearby Ebbsfleet, while the Kent coast is just an hour away—offering a genuine balance between city access and rural living.
Interested? Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for, or you’re still figuring it out—we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch for an informal chat to find out more.
Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon employer: Meopham Veterinary Hospital
Contact Detail:
Meopham Veterinary Hospital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Meopham Vets and its culture. Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or social media to get the inside scoop. This will help you tailor your conversation and show that you're genuinely interested in joining their supportive crew.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! During the interview, be ready to discuss specific cases you've worked on. Highlight your surgical experience or any unique challenges you've tackled. This is your chance to demonstrate your clinical expertise and how you can contribute to their varied caseload.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions that matter! Inquire about their approach to professional development and how they support vets in pursuing certificates. This shows you're keen on growth and aligns with their culture of learning and progression. Plus, it helps you figure out if this is the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. Mention something specific from your chat to remind them of your enthusiasm. It’s a simple way to keep you top of mind as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for veterinary work shine through! We want to see your genuine enthusiasm for caring for animals and how you connect with our mission of providing high-quality care.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Take the time to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with what we’re looking for. Mention specific areas of interest, like surgery or complex cases, to show us you’re a great fit!
Be Yourself: We’re not after a rigid checklist; we want to know who you are! Share your unique experiences and what makes you tick as a vet. This is your chance to stand out, so don’t hold back on your personality!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and we’ll be able to review your application quickly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Meopham Veterinary Hospital
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around small animal care and surgery. Familiarise yourself with common procedures and any recent advancements in the field. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your love for animals and clinical work shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to providing compassionate care. This is a key quality they’re looking for, so don’t hold back!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice, such as their approach to case management or opportunities for professional development. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in how you can grow within their supportive team.
✨Be Yourself
Remember, they’re looking for the right fit, not just a checklist of qualifications. Be authentic and let your personality come through. Whether you’re a seasoned vet or just starting out, showing your true self can make a lasting impression.