At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to provide exceptional veterinary care and support animal health.
- Company: Independent small animal practice in the scenic Henley-on-Thames.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, CPD allowance, and health benefits.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant community, outdoor activities, and great transport links.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while working with a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Enthusiastic vets at any career stage are welcome; RCVS certification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 70000 € per year.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Vet to join our Team. We are a truly independent small animal practice providing our own out of hours service (5 nights per week) in the beautiful and historic town of Henley-on-Thames. You will be a member of a large team of 9 vets and 14 nurses providing exceptional veterinary care to our loyal customer base.
Job Role:
- £36,000-£70,000 FTE per annum (dependent on qualifications and experience)
- Reporting to Clinical Director
- Full time
- Out of Hours: four/five-night shifts per month plus 1 in 4 Saturday day shifts
- 6 weeks paid annual leave (including Bank Holidays)
Benefits:
- £3,000 CPD Allowance
- Birthday leave
- Pro-rata overtime paid for additional hours
- Shift flexibility where possible
- Paid Professional Fees (RCVS, VDS + 1 other)
- BHSF Health Plan: Health cash plan which covers dental and optical treatments as well as a range of therapies and glasses, hearing aids, physio treatment etc
- Bring your dog to work
- Generous staff discount
- Company Pension Scheme (NEST)
- Uniform
- Annual Flu Vaccination
We are a medium-sized, 100% small animal practice. We believe that patient welfare and good case continuity leads to better outcomes for our patients and a more fulfilled clinical team. Having our own out-of-hours service on site, staffed by our own, dedicated team of night nurses, means that we can achieve this.
Our main surgery in Henley has 6 consulting rooms, two theatres, a dental suite, separate dog and cat wards and isolation facilities. Ultrasound is a significant growth area for us and we have the expertise to complete cardiac and full abdominal ultrasound examinations. We have an endoscope, a laser machine and diathermy. We regularly invest in new equipment to make sure we stay up to date and have the ability to provide an exceptional service. We have a busy in house lab processing more than 50 samples on most days. We use peripatetic visiting surgeons for our orthopaedic work, so that we keep as many cases in house as possible.
About the role:
The role involves all aspects of small animal first opinion practice; in a normal week you will spend time consulting, on the hospital rota (day patients and in patients) and doing surgery. You will be supported by our team of highly experienced vets, nurses and lay staff – there is always someone available to ask for help or to discuss a case with if required! You will also go on to our shared Out of Hours rota which only necessitates four/five nights on call per month and one Saturday day time shift every four weeks.
About you:
While experience would be an advantage we have taken a new graduate every year for the last 4 years and would be very happy to consider applications from vets at any stage of their career. More importantly we are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and sociable vet to join our ever-growing clinical team. You will want to be included in clinical discussions, ward rounds, and conversations about how to improve and move the practice forwards. We’re hoping to find someone who is not afraid to give their opinion, while communicating and working well within a team. We believe being proactive and conscientious will help you get as much out of a job with us as is possible. It is essential you are committed to providing outstanding veterinary care to both our patients and our clients. A special interest or a certificate would be a bonus and would be encouraged.
Organisational background and ethos:
The practice has been situated at the same site in Henley for over 40 years. We are now a 9 vet practice with 35 members of staff working out of our main surgery in Henley and our branch surgery in Twyford. We have built the practice around the ethos of providing exceptional first opinion veterinary care to our incredibly loyal client base.
We strongly believe that two key elements allow us to do this:
- Staying independent and therefore in control of all our own decisions.
- Providing our own weekday out of hours service to ensure patients get the best quality care, and whenever possible clients see familiar faces.
We also have a very strong people culture and when all employees were recently asked what is the best thing about working for the practice nearly everyone responded with ‘The Team’ or ‘The People’. We are not a practice that is primarily focused on making money - instead we prioritise our patients, our customers and our people and believe the business will flow on the back of that.
We are located in the beautiful town of Henley-on-Thames famed for its Royal Rowing Regatta and the subsequent Henley Festival. If rowing is your thing, then Henley is the place to be! We are on the edge of the Chilterns Hills where there are abundant opportunities for dog walking, running, road cycling, and mountain biking. London and all its attractions are now just a 30-minute train hop away due to the new cross-rail and Elizabeth line service, meaning theatres, museums and major sporting events are right on our doorstep. If food is your passion, we have amazing local restaurants and pubs to suit all pockets including some of the most famous chefs and restaurants in the UK. Nestled between the M40 and M4 the area has great transport links to the rest of the country, and we are about 30 minutes from Heathrow airport by car if your travel aspirations lie further afield. All in all Henley and the surrounding area is a great place to be.
Please email your application to or contact Helen for an informal chat.
Pay: £36,000.00-£70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Free flu jabs
- Health & wellbeing programme
Application question(s):
- What is your earliest start date?
Licence/Certification:
- RCVS certification (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Veterinary Surgeon employer: The Veterinary Centre
The Veterinary Centre in Henley-on-Thames is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where team spirit thrives. With generous benefits including a £3,000 CPD allowance, six weeks of paid annual leave, and the unique perk of bringing your dog to work, we prioritise employee well-being and professional growth. Our commitment to providing outstanding veterinary care, coupled with our beautiful location near the Chilterns and excellent transport links to London, makes this an ideal place for passionate vets to develop their careers while enjoying a fulfilling lifestyle.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, attend local veterinary events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. 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 in person! If you're nearby, pop into the practice for a casual chat. Bring your CV and express your enthusiasm for joining their team. A friendly face can make a lasting impression!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common veterinary scenarios and case studies. Be ready to discuss how you'd handle specific situations, as this shows your commitment to providing exceptional care.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about wanting to be part of our amazing team at The Veterinary Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for veterinary care shine through! We want to see your genuine love for animals and commitment to providing exceptional care. Share any experiences that highlight your passion.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Veterinary Surgeon. Highlight relevant experience, skills, and any special interests or certifications you have. We appreciate a well-organised CV that makes it easy for us to see why you're a great fit!
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We’re looking for someone sociable and motivated, so share a bit about who you are and what makes you unique. It helps us get to know you better!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important details. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Veterinary Centre
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially regarding small animal care. Familiarise yourself with common procedures and recent advancements in veterinary medicine, as well as the specific services offered by the practice.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for veterinary medicine shine through. Talk about your experiences, whether it's volunteering or any special interests you have in the field. This will help demonstrate your commitment to providing outstanding care.
✨Team Player Mindset
Since the practice values teamwork, be prepared to discuss how you work collaboratively with others. Share examples of how you've contributed to a team in the past and express your eagerness to engage in clinical discussions and ward rounds.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice and its culture. Inquire about their approach to continuing professional development or how they handle out-of-hours care. This shows that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team and committed to growth.
