Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join Millcroft Vets, an established small animal practice with deep roots in Cumbria since the 1920s. You'll work a genuine 4-day week (8:30–18:30) with a balanced mix of consulting and operating theatre time, plus dedicated admin space. With two vets operating each morning, you'll always have support for complex procedures.

The practice is known for genuine flexibility on out-of-hours commitments. Most vets work just 1 night on call every 3 weeks and 1 in 5 weekends. However, the rota is individually tailored, and if you need something different, they'll work around your preferences and career stage. After any night on call, you receive a half-day off; following a weekend shift, you get the next day off to rest.

Located in Cockermouth at the quieter, less-touristy western edge of the Lake District National Park, the role offers access to stunning scenery and endless outdoor opportunities, from hiking and mountain biking to fell running, climbing, and water sports.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality small animal veterinary care across a six-branch practice network (Cockermouth hub plus Workington, Keswick, Aspatria, Maryport, and Egremont)
• Participate in consulting and surgical procedures with access to purpose-built facilities including video endoscopy, high-resolution ultrasound, Class IV laser, Tonovet, and dental radiography
• Engage with clinical meetings and case discussions to share knowledge and develop skills across the 27-vet team
• Work collaboratively with certificate holders in surgery, medicine, emergency and critical care, cardiology, diagnostic imaging, behaviour, and exotics
• Contribute to the practice's commitment to local community sponsorship and engagement

Requirements

• RCVS registration as a veterinary surgeon
• Small animal veterinary experience (newly qualified vets are welcomed with structured mentorship)
• Willingness to engage in professional development and pursue certificates where relevant
• Commitment to collaborative, supportive practice culture

Benefits

• Salary package of £45,000 to £72,000 depending on experience
• 6.3 weeks holiday including public holidays
• Private health insurance (after 1 year continuous employment), plus annual flu vaccine and eye tests
• CPD fully funded to certificate level, with appropriate caseload to make qualifications practical
• Professional fees paid for RCVS registration, VDS, plus one membership of your choice
• Accommodation available if needed in practice houses
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support from counsellors, legal and financial experts
• Discounted veterinary fees and free Lifetime Care Club membership
• Cycle-to-work scheme and discounted gym membership
• Regular team social events and community involvement
• Company pension

About the Practice

Millcroft Vets is a fiercely independent, award-winning small animal practice with a 100-year heritage in Cumbria. The practice operates from a 24-hour central hub in Cockermouth and five community branches, supported by a team of 90 staff including 27 vets. The team includes five VetGDP advisors specifically trained to mentor newly qualified vets, and certificate holders across surgery, medicine, emergency and critical care, cardiology, diagnostic imaging, behaviour, and exotics.

The practice is known for its supportive, collaborative culture. Vets tend to stay long-term, with an average tenure of 11 years. State-of-the-art facilities include video endoscopy, high-resolution ultrasound, Class IV laser, Tonovet, and dental radiography. The practice recently won the XLVets Inspirational Teams award and is deeply embedded in the local community, sponsoring local sports, shows, and initiatives across Cumbria.