Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Millcroft Vets is looking for an experienced small animal vet to join a large, supportive team in Cumbria. You will be part of a 27-vet group with strong mentoring, regular knowledge sharing, and a culture that is designed to help you grow, whether you are a few years qualified or more established in your career.

The practice has a broad range of clinical interests across the team, including surgery, medicine, emergency and critical care, cardiology, diagnostic imaging, behaviour, and exotics. Regular clinical meetings are part of life here, giving you time to discuss cases, share ideas, and learn from colleagues.

The rota is built around a genuine 4-day week, working 8.30 am to 6.30 pm, with the last consult at 5.45 pm. There is a balanced mix of consulting and operating, with time set aside for admin and phone calls. The central hub in Cockermouth provides 24-hour care, and the surrounding area offers the Lake District lifestyle for anyone who enjoys being outdoors.

Key Responsibilities

• Work within a small animal veterinary role across a six-branch practice.
• Carry out a mix of consulting and operating as part of the standard rota.
• Contribute to case discussions and regular clinical meetings.
• Work with colleagues across the Cockermouth hub and branch sites as needed.
• Take part in the shared out-of-hours rota, including nights on call and weekends, depending on the rota agreed.

Requirements

• Experience as a small animal vet is required.
• You should be comfortable working within a collaborative team environment.
• The role suits vets who are a few years qualified through to more seasoned clinicians.
• Interest in development, learning, and sharing cases will fit well with the team 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 of continuous employment, plus flu vaccine and eye tests.
• CPD fully funded and encouraged to certificate level.
• Accommodation available in one of the practice houses if needed.
• RCVS and VDS fees paid, plus one membership of your choice.
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support.
• Discounted veterinary fees and free membership to the Lifetime Care Club.
• Cycle-to-work scheme and discounted gym membership.
• Company pension and team social events.
• OOH support includes 1 night on call every 3 weeks and 1 in 5 weekends for most vets, with a dedicated RVN on until 10.30 pm and another RVN on call overnight.
• Half a day off after any night on call, and the next day off after a weekend on call.

About the Practice

Millcroft Vets is an independent practice with roots in Cumbria stretching back to the 1920s. It has grown into a six-branch group with a central hub in Cockermouth, plus branches in Workington, Keswick, Aspatria, Maryport, and Egremont.

The team includes certificate holders in surgery, medicine, emergency and critical care, cardiology, diagnostic imaging, behaviour, and exotics. Facilities mentioned include video endoscopy, high-resolution ultrasound scanning, Class IV laser, Tonovet, and dental radiography, supporting both in-house and second-opinion work.