Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a unique opportunity to practise relationship-based veterinary medicine in a mobile setting across rural Norfolk and the Norwich area. Rather than traditional clinic consultations, you’ll be visiting pets in their own homes—where they’re calmer, owners are more relaxed, and you have the time to work cases up properly. A typical busy day is just 8 appointments, often fewer, giving you genuine breathing space between visits for follow-up calls, research, and thorough case work.

With a 1:3 Saturday morning rota for emergencies only and no overnight out-of-hours cover required, the schedule is genuinely sustainable. You’ll work 30–40 hours per week spread across four days, finishing by 6 pm on weekdays. This role suits a vet who’s confident working independently in clients’ homes but values knowing that support and an extra pair of hands are always a phone call away.

The practice is based about 10 miles south of Norwich in the peaceful Norfolk countryside, with the Broads 40 minutes away and the North Norfolk coast within an hour. Norwich itself is a vibrant, historic city recently named one of the UK’s happiest places to live.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct mobile consultations in clients’ homes across the Norwich and Norfolk catchment area (approximately 30 minutes’ travel time from the clinic)
• Share consulting and operating duties with the team of 3 GP vets, ensuring time to use all your clinical skills
• Perform routine surgeries including neutering, dentals, lump removals, and exploratory procedures, supported by visiting specialists in ultrasound and endoscopy
• Provide compassionate palliative care and in-home euthanasia—one of the practice’s most meaningful specialties
• Utilise the practice’s fully equipped surgical base (digital X-ray, ultrasound, dental machine, in-house lab, laser therapy) for diagnostics and more complex cases
• Maintain strong communication with clients, building long-term relationships and tailoring care to individual pet and owner needs
• Collaborate with the 2 RVNs and 3 support staff, participating in regular clinical and practice-wide meetings
• Support referrals to local centres including Grove Referrals, Debenham Vets, and Dick White Referrals

Requirements

• Qualified and experienced veterinary surgeon (MRCVS or equivalent)
• Confident, self-motivated, and comfortable working independently in clients’ homes
• Strong communication skills and genuine interest in building lasting client relationships
• Experience or genuine interest in medicine, behaviour, palliative care, or client-centred practice
• Valid UK driving licence with access to a reliable vehicle
• Ability to work flexibly and adapt to a mobile working environment

Benefits

• Salary: £63,000–£67,000 depending on experience
• Hours: 30–40 hours per week, usually spread over 4 days
• Holiday: 5 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays
• CPD: Supported and encouraged with certificates; no fixed budget ceiling
• Mileage: Reimbursed at 40p per mile
• Staff discount: On treatments and medications
• Work-life balance: Genuine flexibility when needed, with a sustainable weekly schedule
• Supportive environment: A close-knit team that values knowledge-sharing, case discussion, and mutual support
• Future ownership stake: The practice is transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust, offering all staff a stake in the business and opportunities in management or leadership if interested
• Team social activities: Birthday afternoon teas, summer get-togethers, and organised social events (wreath-making, self-defence classes, etc.)

About the Practice

Paws Indoors is the only dedicated mobile veterinary practice in East Anglia, established in 2003 by Rosie Smith. What began as a flexible solution for balancing motherhood with veterinary practice has grown into a thriving, award-winning business. In 2024, the practice won the Small Business Award at The Norfolk Business Awards, recognised for excellence and innovation in animal care.

The team consists of 3 experienced GP vets, 2 RVNs, and 3 support staff working from a fully equipped surgical base in Hempnall. The practice is committed to compassionate, personalised care and serves housebound, elderly, and disabled clients as well as pets who struggle with travel-related stress. All visiting clinicians use electric vehicles to reduce the practice’s carbon footprint. The practice is transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust model, ensuring all employees have a genuine stake in the business’s future.