Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a full-time position at a well-established independent practice in Crewkerne, where you’ll work alongside a close-knit team of five vets and five RVNs. The practice offers flexibility with your rota—choose between a four-day week (8.30–6.30) or five shorter days, whichever suits you best. Out-of-hours duties are 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 only attend the practice when needed, with RVN support always available. After a weekend shift, you’ll receive the following Friday off in lieu.

Based in the beautiful South West countryside near the Jurassic Coast, Hamstone Vets is an independent practice founded on the principle of returning to traditional, personalised veterinary care. This is a place where every patient is known by name, relationships with clients are built on trust, and the team actively socialises outside work. The atmosphere is genuinely warm and collaborative—several team members have shared how this practice has transformed their careers and their wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality small animal veterinary care to a loyal, appreciative client base
• Work up cases thoroughly using the practice’s well-equipped facilities (digital radiography, dental suite, in-house laboratory, surgical theatre with laparoscopy)
• Contribute to the practice’s growing caseload and help develop clinical services (endoscopy equipment is being explored)
• Collaborate with the experienced nursing team (five RVNs and two ANAs) and work alongside the in-house chartered veterinary physiotherapist
• Support the practice’s commitment to being an ISFM Gold Cat-Friendly Practice with separate dog and cat facilities
• Develop your professional interests—the practice actively supports further study and clinical development
• Be part of a leadership culture where the founders are on the floor working alongside the team every day

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (MRCVS or equivalent)
• Experience in small animal practice
• Compassionate, confident, curious, and collaborative approach to veterinary medicine
• Strong client communication skills and ability to build relationships
• Willingness to work as part of a team-based environment
• Professional commitment to continuous learning and development

Benefits

• Salary: £55,000–£65,000 depending on experience
• Holiday: 5.6 weeks annual leave, including bank holidays
• Professional Development: CPD encouraged, with certificates supported and funded
• Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance (covering spouse and children)
• Professional Fees: RCVS and VDS fees paid
• Pet-Friendly: Well-behaved dogs welcome at the practice
• Flexible Rota: Manageable out-of-hours (1:6 weekends, one weeknight per week)
• Clinical Freedom: Time to work up cases properly and develop your interests

About the Practice

Hamstone Vets was founded by Emily and Ellie with a clear vision: to create a veterinary practice that combines modern clinical expertise with the values of a traditional, community-focused practice. The founders wanted to build somewhere they’d be happy to take their own pets—a welcoming environment where clients are known by name and every patient receives truly personalised care.

The practice is located in the beautiful Linen Yard in Crewkerne, Somerset, with deep West Country roots. Today, it’s a thriving independent practice with five vets (including specialists with interests in soft-tissue surgery, emergency and critical care nursing, geriatric medicine, herbal medicine, and dentistry), five experienced RVNs, two ANAs, and a supportive reception team. The practice is expanding into a neighbouring unit to increase consulting space from five to seven rooms. It’s an ISFM Gold Cat-Friendly Practice with separate dog and cat waiting areas and wards, and it works closely with a chartered veterinary physiotherapist. The team regularly socialises outside work and is genuinely invested in supporting one another—feedback from staff consistently highlights the exceptional team spirit, leadership culture, and sense of belonging.