Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a four-day-per-week position (8:00 am – 6:30 pm, with flexibility on working patterns) based primarily at Hook Norton Hospital, with some sole charge shifts at local branch sites. You’ll enjoy a sustainable rota with a 1:10 weekend commitment (day shifts) and occasional Saturday morning consultations, with a full day off following your weekend duties. Once your shift ends, an in-house night team takes over inpatient and emergency care, so you’re genuinely off the clock.

Nestled in beautiful rural Oxfordshire, Hook Norton is a well-established, trusted independent practice with a loyal client base and a straightforward, owner-managed approach—no corporate red tape. You’ll work alongside 19 small animal vets (including four Senior/Director level colleagues) and a substantial nursing team of 17 RVNs, five students, and multiple assistants. The practice operates a fully staffed in-house laboratory, dedicated pharmacy, and dispensary team.

Your caseload will be varied and engaging. Consultations are 15 minutes, with flexibility for complex cases and admin time, supported by a dedicated Small Animal Coordinator. You’ll rotate through consultations, operations, hospital duties, and ambulatory work. The practice values clinical autonomy—there are evidence-based protocols in place, but you’re trusted to formulate and execute your own clinical plans alongside a progressive, open-minded team.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct small animal consultations, surgical procedures, and hospital care across the Hook Norton Hospital and branch sites
• Manage a balanced mix of consult, surgical, and ambulatory shifts supported by a substantial nursing and reception team
• Maintain clinical standards while working within the practice’s evidence-based protocols and your own clinical judgment
• Contribute to a supportive team environment, stepping in to support colleagues as needed
• Develop your clinical interests and special areas of focus with mentoring from senior staff
• Participate in some sole charge work at branch locations (with full support from the main hospital)

Requirements

• Minimum three years’ experience as a Small Animal Vet in a similar role
• Full UK driving licence and own transport (essential for the rural location)
• A collaborative, can-do attitude with genuine clinical aspirations
• Passion for animals and commitment to high-quality patient care
• Genuine team player mentality with the ability to support colleagues and thrive in a busy environment

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Funded RCVS membership and VDS cover
• Seven weeks’ holiday (increasing with length of service)
• Private Medical Insurance and comprehensive wellbeing programme
• Active social calendar and staff events
• Generous staff discount scheme
• Structured career pathway from associate to director level
• CPD: One week and £1,500 per year, plus funding and support for Certificate courses
• Access to all XLVets resources and initiatives (Hook Norton is a founding member of this nationwide network of independent practices)

About the Practice

Hook Norton Veterinary Group is a well-established, independently owned small animal practice serving the Oxfordshire area with an excellent local reputation. The practice is managed by six practising Vet Directors who are actively involved in day-to-day operations, enabling swift decision-making without corporate bureaucracy. As one of the founding members of XLVets, a nationwide community of independent practices, Hook Norton benefits from shared knowledge and support while maintaining its independence and character.

The hospital operates a fully staffed in-house laboratory, dedicated pharmacy, and dispensary team, allowing comprehensive care without external dependencies. The practice has built a large, loyal client base and is recognised for providing high-quality care supported by extensive nursing and administrative resources.