At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead clinical care for small animals, managing cases from start to finish.
- Company: Join Gayton Vets, a vet-owned practice with a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Earn £55,000–£75,000, enjoy 5 weeks holiday, and receive CPD support.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant area with access to nature and city life.
- Why this job: Gain autonomy in your practice while making a real difference in pet care.
- Qualifications: Experience in sole charge veterinary roles and a passion for animal welfare.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
You've put in the years. You know your cases, you trust your instincts, and you're done asking permission to practice good medicine. At Gayton Vets, you'll have the clinical autonomy and scope to practice high-quality medicine your way, with real ownership of your cases from start to finish - backed by our incredibly experienced RVN and VCA team who, together with you, make a seriously strong clinical partnership.
The role
This is clinical leadership of our Horley branch: sole charge day to day, with the full support of an experienced team around you. You'll run your own case list from first consult to final follow-up, build the client relationships that bring the reward to general practice, and shape how our branch grows under your direction. You're not on your own. Our main site in Redhill is minutes away, and a second opinion, a tricky case discussion, or just another experienced vet's take is never far off.
We’re looking for someone who's genuinely comfortable holding that responsibility: you've done sole charge before, and you're ready to own it fully now.
Your working week
- 4 days (3 considered for the right candidate)
- 1 in 4 Saturday mornings, 9am–1pm, with time off in lieu
- No out-of-hours commitment
- Real case continuity - you follow your patients through, not hand them over
Your clinic
Small in footprint, strong on kit: digital X-ray, ultrasound, a fully equipped theatre, IDEXX in-house bloods, dental equipment, and two consult rooms. Visiting specialists cover imaging, medicine, ophthalmology, soft tissue surgery and orthopaedics, plus access to an outpatient CT scanner, so you get branch-level autonomy without losing the wider clinical network.
Why Gayton Vets
We care about doing things properly - good medicine, good communication and treating people and their pets well. We’re ambitious about where we’re going, but never at the expense of the close-knit, independent feel that makes us Gayton Vets. We want people who care, take ownership and support each other - and who believe good veterinary medicine should be thoughtful, thorough and compassionate.
We’ve been vet‑owned for decades, and a recent change in partnership structure has specifically kept it that way. Several of our vets have stayed 10–15 years and counting. We like to hope that says something.
Benefits
- £55,000–£75,000 base, plus 8% pension
- 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays (6 weeks with long service)
- CPD allowance up to £2,500 & 1 week for CPD, with support for clinical interests
- Professional fees paid
- Staff pet care scheme
Life beyond the practice
You're minutes from Reigate – independent shops, good coffee, better pubs - with the Surrey Hills and Box Hill on your doorstep for anyone who runs, rides or cycles. London's a short train ride when you want it, and Brighton's close enough for a coastal afternoon.
The next few years at Gayton Vets are going to be exciting, and we’re looking for the right person to be part of it.
Small Animal Vet in Crawley employer: Vet Finders
At Gayton Vets, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment where clinical autonomy is encouraged, allowing our Small Animal Vets to practice high-quality medicine with ownership of their cases. Located in the picturesque Horley, Surrey, our team enjoys a strong work-life balance with generous benefits including a competitive salary, extensive CPD support, and a close-knit community that values compassionate care for both pets and their owners. With easy access to vibrant local amenities and beautiful outdoor spaces, Gayton Vets offers an enriching workplace for those passionate about veterinary medicine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Animal Vet in Crawley
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
Dive into local health initiatives or volunteer at community health events. This not only boosts your practical experience but also gets you noticed among professionals in human medicine who may have leads on full-time positions like Small Animal Vet at Vet Finders.
✨Connect with Professionals via Medical Associations
Join professional associations related to human medicine, such as the Royal College of Physicians. Attend their conferences and networking events to meet potential employers in a relaxed setting. Who knows, you might just bump into someone from Vet Finders!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise Online
Build a personal website or a professional blog where you can share your insights on human medicine topics. This portfolio can catch the eye of recruiters looking for dedicated individuals for full-time roles like Small Animal Vet.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re still in or recently graduated from university, don’t hesitate to use your career services. They often have exclusive listings and contacts in the human medicine field that can help you land a full-time gig at places like Vet Finders.
We think you need these skills to ace Small Animal Vet in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Small Animal Vet at Vet Finders, 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 Vet at Vet Finders. 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 Vet Finders will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vet Finders
✨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.
