At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch care for small animals in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a well-established, independent veterinary practice with a great local reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 7 weeks holiday, private medical insurance, and CPD support.
- Other info: Experience a vibrant work culture with opportunities for career growth and mentorship.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while developing your skills in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Minimum 3 years experience as a Small Animal Vet and a passion for animal welfare.
The predicted salary is between 45113 - 55138 £ per year.
Location: Hook Norton Hospital and Branch sites, Oxfordshire.
Hours: 4 days per week (8:00 am – 6:30 pm) – other working pattern options considered.
OOH: currently 1:10 full weekends (day shifts) and occasional Saturday morning consult.
Time off: Monday morning off after full weekend; full day off after occasional night shift.
About the Role
Small Animal Vets at Hook Norton Veterinary Group are typically based at the busy hospital in Hook Norton, with some sole charge at local branches. The role offers a fair share of consults, operations, hospital, and ambulatory shifts, all supported by extensive nursing and reception teams. Consults are 15 minutes, with consideration for complex cases and administration, all supported by a dedicated Small Animal Coordinator. Rotas are designed to be realistic and sustainable. Once the shift ends, vets hand over to the dedicated in-house night team, who look after inpatients and emergencies overnight. The practice has protocols for best practice but also respects and encourages clinical freedom to formulate and carry out individual clinical plans while working alongside a progressive and open-minded team. Hook Norton Veterinary Group takes pride in providing a high standard of care and enables and empowers its vets to do the same. With a large and loyal client base, the successful candidate will enjoy a full and varied caseload, allowing expansion of surgical and medical experience. The practice supports professional development and recognises special interest areas, along with mentoring from internal staff and a career pathway designed to support long-term goals.
Clinical Team Includes
- 19 Small Animal Vets (including 4 Senior/Director level)
- 17 Registered Veterinary Nurses, 5 Students, and several Assistants
- A fully staffed in-house laboratory, dedicated pharmacy, and dispensary team
About the Candidate
The ideal candidate is a genuine team player and a real ambassador for the practice. They take pride in doing their job to the best of their ability and are willing to step in to support colleagues when needed. They thrive in a busy environment, enjoy the satisfaction of a great day’s work, and value opportunities to learn and develop their skills. Equally, they appreciate the quieter moments to share interesting cases, catch up with colleagues, and further their CPD.
The successful candidate will bring
- Minimum 3 years of experience in a similar Small Animal vet role
- Full UK driving licence and own transport (the practice is in a beautiful rural setting)
- A collaborative, can-do attitude with high clinical aspirations
- A genuine passion for animals, farming, equine care, and country life
What’s in It for the Successful Candidate
- Competitive salary, experience-dependent
- Funded RCVS membership and VDS cover
- 7 weeks holiday (increasing with service)
- Private Medical Insurance, comprehensive wellbeing programme, and active social calendar
- Structured career pathway – from graduate to director level
- CPD: 1 week/£1,500 per year plus funding and support for Certificates
- Access to all XLVets resources and initiatives
About Hook Norton Veterinary Group
The practice is owned and managed by six practising Vet Directors who are fully immersed in daily operations, making quick decisions without red tape. Hook Norton Veterinary Group is a well-established, trusted independent practice with a great local reputation. It is also proud to be one of the founding members of XLVets, a nationwide community of independent practices working together to share knowledge and support.
How to Apply
If the Small Animal vet role sounds appealing, candidates should send their CV and a short covering letter (including preferred working hours/pattern, notice period, and salary expectations) to: careers@hooknortonvets.co.uk For an informal chat in the first instance, call 01608 730501. Visit the website or follow Hook Norton Veterinary Group on social media (Facebook and Instagram) to see what life is really like at the practice.
Small Animal Vet Opportunity - Hook Norton, Oxfordshire employer: XLVets
Scott Mitchell Veterinary Care is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in the heart of Hexham. With flexible hours, a balanced workload, and opportunities for professional growth within the XLVets community, employees enjoy a fulfilling career while benefiting from generous annual leave and a diverse caseload that includes consulting, surgery, and medicine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Animal Vet Opportunity - Hook Norton, Oxfordshire
✨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 XLVets often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
We think you need these skills to ace Small Animal Vet Opportunity - Hook Norton, Oxfordshire
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 XLVets
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at XLVets. 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 XLVets.
✨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 XLVets.
✨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 XLVets.
