Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Join Paws Indoors, an independent mobile veterinary practice serving Norwich and rural Norfolk, where the focus is on thoughtful, relationship-based medicine rather than churning through consults. You'll spend most of your week visiting pets in their own homes—a fundamentally different way of practising that gives animals a calmer environment and owners meaningful time to discuss their concerns. With a manageable 30–40 hours across four days, no out-of-hours cover (it's outsourced), and just 1:3 Saturday mornings for emergencies, this role is built for sustainability.

The practice is nestled about 10 miles south of Norwich, a vibrant historic city recently named one of the UK's happiest places to live, with the Norfolk Broads 40 minutes away and the North Norfolk coast within an hour. Much of your travel is through peaceful countryside—one of the quieter joys of mobile practice.

You'll work alongside a close-knit team of 3 experienced GP vets, 2 RVNs, and 3 support staff from a small but well-equipped surgical base in Hempnall. The practice is transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust, meaning all team members will have a stake in the business and opportunity for leadership roles if interested.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver primary veterinary care through home visits across Norfolk, typically 8 appointments per day (often fewer, leaving time for follow-up and client calls)
• Perform routine surgeries—neutering, dentals, lump removals, exploratory procedures—supported by visiting specialists in ultrasound and endoscopy
• Manage cases thoroughly with access to in-house digital X-ray, ultrasound, dental machine, in-house lab, and laser therapy at the Hempnall surgery
• Provide palliative care and in-home euthanasia, supporting pets and owners during end-of-life decisions in the comfort of their homes
• Collaborate with the team through regular clinical meetings and case discussions
• Work independently in clients' homes while knowing support and an extra pair of hands are always available when needed
• Maintain strong communication with owners and build lasting client relationships

Requirements

• MRCVS registration or equivalent UK veterinary qualification
• Experienced, confident, and self-motivated, comfortable working independently in clients' homes
• Strong communication skills and genuine interest in building lasting client relationships
• Interest in medicine, behaviour, palliative care, or client-centred practice (desirable)
• Valid UK driving licence with access to a vehicle (essential)
• Ability to work as part of a supportive, collaborative team

Benefits

• Salary: £63,000–£67,000 depending on experience
• Hours: 30–40 hours per week, usually spread over 4 days
• Schedule: 9 am–6 pm weekdays; 1:3 Saturday mornings for emergencies only; no out-of-hours cover
• Leave: 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays
• CPD: Supported and encouraged, with certificates and no fixed budget
• Mileage: Reimbursed at 40p per mile
• Discounts: On treatments and medications
• Work-life balance: Flexible arrangements when needed, with a genuinely supportive environment
• Team culture: Close-knit, collaborative team with regular clinical meetings and celebrations (birthday teas, summer get-togethers, Christmas activities)
• Ownership stake: All employees will have a stake in the business through the Employee Ownership Trust transition

About the Practice

Paws Indoors was established in 2003 by Rosie Smith, who pioneered mobile veterinary care in East Anglia after seeking a way to balance motherhood with her veterinary career. What began as a small mobile service has evolved into a thriving independent practice with a loyal client base. The practice moved to dedicated premises in 2020 and into a fully equipped surgery in 2021.

The practice is known for providing compassionate, unhurried consultations and building lasting relationships with owners. All visiting clinicians use electric vehicles to reduce carbon footprint, and the practice proudly serves housebound, elderly, and disabled clients as well as pets who struggle with travel-related stress. In 2024, Paws Indoors won the Small Business Award at The Norfolk Business Awards. The team shares a deep commitment to personalised care, empathy, and understanding—every consultation, whether routine or end-of-life, is met with genuine care.