Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a full-time small animal position based primarily at the busy 24-hour hospital in Hook Norton, with some sole charge shifts at branch locations. You'll enjoy a fair mix of consultations, operations, hospital and ambulatory work, supported by extensive nursing and reception teams. With a large and loyal client base, you'll build varied surgical and medical experience while working alongside a progressive, open-minded team that respects clinical freedom.

Your rota runs 4 days per week, 8:00 am to 6:30 pm (other patterns considered), with 1:10 full weekends (day shifts) and occasional Saturday morning consults. Once your shift ends, the in-house night team takes over all inpatients and emergencies. Consultations are 15 minutes with consideration for complex cases and admin time, supported by a dedicated Small Animal Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver small animal consultations, surgical procedures, and hospital care to a large, loyal client base
• Work across the main hospital and branch locations, with some sole charge responsibility
• Participate in a realistic, sustainable rota supporting both daytime and emergency caseloads
• Collaborate with 18 other small animal vets (including 6 at senior/director level), 17 RVNs, 5 student nurses and 6 assistants
• Contribute to high-standard clinical care underpinned by best-practice protocols and on-site laboratory facilities
• Support professional development through mentoring and structured career pathways

Requirements

• Completed VetGDP (veterinary graduate development programme)
• Experienced small animal veterinary surgeon
• Full UK driving licence and own transport (essential, as the practice is rural with no public transport)
• RCVS registration as a veterinary surgeon

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £38,000 to £60,000, depending on experience
• 7 weeks holiday, increasing with service
• Structured career pathway from graduate to director level
• CPD funded and supported
• Access to all XL Vets resources and initiatives
• Private medical insurance and comprehensive wellbeing programme
• Funded RCVS membership and VDS cover
• Generous staff discount scheme
• Active social calendar

About the Practice

Hook Norton Veterinary Group is a well-established independent mixed practice with separate small-animal, farm and equine departments. The group is owned and managed by six practising vet directors and operates across multiple sites in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, with the main branch at White Hills Surgery. The practice holds RCVS Tier 3 Small Animal Hospital accreditation, offering 24-hour patient care with on-site laboratory facilities and diagnostic testing across all departments.

The group employs over 40 vets and is one of the founding members of XL Vets, a nationwide community of independent practices sharing knowledge and support. The team includes 19 small animal vets at all levels, including certificate holders and an Advanced Practitioner in Ophthalmology, alongside 17 RVNs, 5 student nurses and 6 assistants.