At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a supportive team to provide high-quality care for small animals.
- Company: Independent small animal hospital in beautiful Somerset with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, CPD support, and private health insurance.
- Other info: Enjoy a great work-life balance with no weekends or night shifts for most weeks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a friendly environment while developing your clinical skills.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree and passion for animal care.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 75000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a vet to join our team at Mount Vets — an independent small animal hospital where people work together, support each other, and take real pride in the care they provide.
About us
Mount Vets is a 14‑vet independent small animal veterinary hospital in beautiful Somerset. We have a strong experienced team with several certificate holders, including two in surgery, one in medicine, two in ophthalmology, and one in dermatology. We also have vets studying towards certificates in ophthalmology and diagnostic imaging. Our nursing team is a big part of what makes the practice work well day‑to‑day. We have 16 RVNs, including several with ECC certificates, supported by SVNs and VCAs.
How we work
We’re a supportive and collaborative practice with plenty of case discussion. People share ideas, ask for input, and support each other with more challenging cases. There is a real sense that you are part of a team, rather than working things out on your own. Our shared office allows vets to come together and have these conversations easily throughout the day. Our caseload is varied, and we work cases up to a high standard within the practice. We provide our own out‑of‑hours care and inpatient management, which allows for continuity and case ownership. For vets who are looking to develop, there are lots of opportunities to learn from colleagues and build confidence over time. For more experienced vets, there is the chance to make full use of your clinical skills and knowledge, being part of a team that values providing high‑quality care and making thoughtful clinical decisions.
The role
Our full‑time vets work a 4‑day week with a set day off. The clinical day runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with an additional hour at the end of the day to catch up if needed. If everything is finished, we are able to head home from 6 p.m. Consultations are 15 minutes, with double appointments booked for more complex cases and euthanasia. There are also gaps built into the diary to allow time to catch up if running late or to manage messages and inpatients. We have two vets operating each day, with a third vet operating for most of the day, and each vet has at least one dedicated operating day per week. We provide our own out‑of‑hours service. This has been developed with input from the team and is designed to allow for a good work‑life balance, including longer stretches without weekends or duties. We also have dedicated night RVNs in the hospital to care for inpatients, so on‑call is from home and you would only need to come in if required. For 7 weeks out of a 9‑week rolling rota, you will work a 4‑day week with no Saturdays, no weekends and no on‑call night shifts. This is achieved as follows:
- In Week 1, you work a Saturday morning consulting session to 1 p.m. and then are on‑call for the rest of the day until 6 p.m., followed by a Sunday day on‑call only from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Following this, you have a 3‑day week, with Monday off in addition to Friday.
- In Week 2, you cover nights on‑call only (with no day shifts) from Friday night to Thursday night alongside a short consulting shift on Saturday morning. You get the Friday of this week off to give you a long weekend.
- Then 7 weeks with no weekends or nights. It’s not as complicated as it sounds and works well for the team.
We are also happy to consider a 3‑day week for a vet joining the OOH rota.
Outside of work
We’re a friendly team, and many people spend time together outside of work, whether that’s meals out or occasional team activities. There is a small social budget that can be used for things like dinners, theatre trips or days out locally, and there are also opportunities to get involved in local events or support charities if that’s something you enjoy. There’s no expectation around this—people engage as much or as little as they want. Wellington is well located, with easy access to the Quantocks, Blackdown and Brendon Hills, and just 40 minutes from the South Devon coast. We are also very well connected; we are 5 minutes from Junction 26 of the M5, so Bristol, Exeter and Taunton are all within easy reach, and we are less than 2 hours by train to central London.
The package offer includes:
- Salary: £45,000–£75,000, depending on experience
- 28 days (6.6 weeks) holiday, including bank holidays
- CPD actively encouraged, with support for certificates
- Private health insurance & employee assistance scheme
- Professional fees paid for RCVS and VDS
- Cycle to work scheme and local gym discount
If you’re looking for a role where you can be part of a supportive team and continue to develop clinically, please apply now.
Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in Bristol employer: Mount Vets Veterinary Hospital
Mount Vets is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work environment where veterinary professionals can thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, our team benefits from ample opportunities for professional development, including CPD support and a varied caseload that encourages clinical excellence. Located in the picturesque Somerset region, we promote a healthy work-life balance with a 4-day work week, no weekends, and a friendly culture that extends beyond the workplace.
Contact Details:
Mount Vets Veterinary Hospital Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in Bristol
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
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We think you need these skills to ace Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon at Mount Vets Veterinary Hospital, focus on highlighting your clinical experience and any specific training you've undergone. Include any relevant placements or internships you’ve completed, as well as any certifications that bolster your qualifications in human medicine.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:In the field of human medicine, soft skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Mention your communication skills, empathy, and teamwork experiences in your CV and cover letter. This shows that you can work well in a clinical setting and with patients, which is super important in this industry!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:Be sure to personalise your cover letter for the Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon at Mount Vets Veterinary Hospital. Mention why you’re passionate about human medicine and how you align with the company’s mission. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm and make a case for why you'll be a valuable addition to the team!
Include Continuing Education:Make sure to mention any ongoing education or courses you’re taking to keep your skills sharp. In human medicine, staying updated with the latest practices is key. It shows you’re dedicated to your field, which employers like Mount Vets Veterinary Hospital will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mount Vets Veterinary Hospital
✨Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge
Since you're aiming for a role in human medicine, make sure you’re sharp on the latest clinical guidelines and practices relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss case studies or scenarios you might encounter in the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
In human medicine, technical skills are crucial, but don’t forget to showcase your soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork. In your answers, share specific examples of how you've worked effectively with patients or colleagues in the past, as these traits are highly valued in clinical settings.
✨Know Your CV Backwards
As you’re applying for a full-time position, your CV should tell a story. Be ready to discuss every part of it, especially your clinical experiences, the impact you had, and what you learned. Employers want to see how your journey has prepared you for this role, so think of it like you're taking them through your professional narrative.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Ethics are a big deal in human medicine, so expect questions that assess your decision-making in tricky situations. Think about how you'd handle ethical dilemmas or patient confidentiality concerns. Prepare a few examples that illustrate your thought process and how you prioritise patient welfare in your decision-making.
