Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Millcroft Vets is seeking an experienced small animal veterinarian to join their 27-vet team across six branches in Cumbria. Whether you’re a few years qualified or a seasoned practitioner, you’ll work within a supportive culture that champions development and collaboration. The role offers a genuine 4-day working week (8:30–18:30), with balanced consulting and surgical time, plus breathing room for admin and finishing on time. Out-of-hours commitments are refreshingly flexible—most vets work just 1 night on call every 3 weeks and 1 in 5 weekends, though the practice tailors rotas to suit your life stage and career goals.

Based in the quieter, western edge of the Lake District National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), this location offers unparalleled outdoor living—hiking the Wainwrights, fell running, rock climbing, water sports, and mountain biking are all at your doorstep. The practice hub in Cockermouth provides 24-hour emergency care, with satellite branches in Workington, Keswick, Aspatria, Maryport, and Egremont.

Millcroft has won the XLVets Inspirational Teams award and boasts certificate holders in surgery, medicine, emergency & critical care, cardiology, diagnostic imaging, behaviour, and exotics. You’ll have access to top-end facilities including video endoscopy, high-resolution ultrasound, Class IV laser, Tonovet, and dental radiography—plus a team genuinely invested in your success.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality small animal veterinary care across the multi-site practice, with the option to develop special interests in surgery, medicine, emergency care, or other specialisms
• Participate in consulting and surgical work, with two vets operating each morning to support and learn from each other
• Engage with the practice’s diverse caseload, including in-house and second-opinion services via comprehensive diagnostics
• Contribute to regular clinical meetings where challenging cases are discussed and service improvements shared
• Support newer graduates and colleagues through mentorship and knowledge-sharing within the large, experienced team
• Take part in the collaborative, on-call rota (typically 1:3 nights and 1:5 weekends), with full support from RVN staff and on-call backup
• Engage with the local community through sponsorships, local initiatives, and practice involvement in regional events

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (MRCVS or equivalent) with experience in small animal practice
• Genuine commitment to high-quality patient care and professional development
• Willingness to contribute to a collaborative, supportive team environment
• Flexibility and openness regarding out-of-hours commitments, with negotiation available to suit your circumstances
• Interest in ongoing professional development and, ideally, pursuit of further qualifications or certificates

Benefits

• Salary: £45,000–£72,000 depending on experience and qualifications
• Time off: 6.3 weeks holiday (including public holidays)
• Professional development: CPD fully funded to certificate level, with diverse caseload to support practical learning; certificate qualifications actively encouraged
• Health & wellbeing: Private health insurance (after 1 year continuous employment), flu vaccine, eye tests, and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme with in-house counsellors, legal support, and financial advisors
• Professional support: RCVS and VDS professional fees paid; choice of professional membership (fees covered)
• Accommodation: Practice housing available if needed
• Lifestyle perks: Discounted veterinary fees, free Lifetime Care Club membership, cycle-to-work scheme, discounted gym membership
• Pension: Company pension scheme
• Team culture: Regular social events, team celebrations, and an active social calendar (including dog walks, swimming groups, and summer bash)

About the Practice

Millcroft Vets has served Cumbria since the 1920s as a fiercely independent, award-winning small animal practice. Operating from a 24-hour hub in Cockermouth plus five satellite branches (Workington, Keswick, Aspatria, Maryport, Egremont), the practice combines established roots with modern facilities. The team of 90 includes 27 vets, specialist certificate holders across multiple disciplines, and dedicated support staff. Millcroft has been recognised with the XLVets Inspirational Teams award and is deeply embedded in the local Lake District community, sponsoring local sports, young farmers’ clubs, and agricultural events.

The practice is known for staff retention—vets stay for an average of 11 years—reflecting genuine commitment to work-life balance, mentorship, and professional growth. New graduates are eased into consulting and never sole-charged, with five dedicated VetGDP advisors available to match mentors to individual interests and goals.