Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

You’ll be joining Hamstone Vets, an independent small animal practice in the heart of Crewkerne, Somerset, where modern veterinary expertise meets genuine community values. This full-time role offers flexible rota options—whether you prefer a 4-day week (8.30–6.30) or five shorter days, the practice is happy to work around your needs.

The out-of-hours commitment is genuinely manageable: just one weeknight per week and one weekend in six (which includes a Saturday morning consult shift, 9–12). You’ll be on call from home and attend the practice only when needed. After a weekend shift, you’ll receive the following Friday off in lieu. An RVN will be on call alongside you to assist with any inpatients.

Based in beautiful South West countryside close to the Jurassic Coast, this role combines clinical variety with a real sense of team belonging—exactly what vets are looking for.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality small animal veterinary care to a loyal, appreciative client base
• Work alongside a team of six vets (including recent graduate Max and specialists in soft-tissue surgery, geriatric medicine, dentistry, and rehabilitation)
• Utilise modern facilities including digital radiography, dental suite, surgical theatre with laparoscopy, in-house laboratory, and expanding endoscopy capabilities
• Contribute to the practice’s commitment to ISFM Gold Cat-Friendly standard with separate dog and cat waiting areas and wards
• Collaborate with the five RVNs and two ANAs to ensure thorough case work-up and excellent patient care
• Work with Kelly, the Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist, on small animal rehabilitation cases
• Build lasting relationships with clients in a practice where every pet is known by name

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (RCVS registered)
• Experience in small animal practice
• Compassionate, confident, curious, and collaborative approach to veterinary medicine
• Strong communication skills and genuine interest in building client relationships
• Ability to thrive in a friendly, team-based environment
• Willingness to contribute to a practice culture of continuous professional development

Benefits

• Salary: £55,000–£65,000 depending on experience
• Leave: 5.6 weeks holiday including bank holidays
• Professional Development: CPD encouraged, with certificates supported and funded
• Private Medical Insurance: Coverage for you, spouse, and children
• Professional Fees: RCVS and VDS fees paid
• Pet-Friendly Workplace: Well-behaved dogs welcome at the practice
• Flexible Working: Rota options to suit your lifestyle
• Team Culture: Regular team social events, including rugby outings and team meals

About the Practice

Hamstone Vets was founded by Emily and Ellie with a clear vision: to create a practice where modern veterinary expertise combines with the values of a traditional, community-focused clinic. With deep West Country roots, the practice is based at the Linen Yard in Crewkerne—a location that reflects the character of the region and the warm, welcoming atmosphere the founders wanted to create.

The team is the heart of what makes Hamstone Vets special. Beyond the clinical expertise—which spans soft-tissue surgery, emergency and critical care nursing, geriatric medicine, herbal medicine, dentistry, and rehabilitation—there’s a genuine commitment to making the practice a place where people enjoy coming to work. The team regularly socialises outside work, leadership is visible and hands-on (Emily and Ellie work alongside their team every single day), and there’s a real sense that everyone’s voice is valued. The practice is expanding, adding a neighbouring unit to increase consulting rooms from five to seven and further develop clinical facilities.