Ready to join an independent practice where your clinical voice genuinely matters? Pike Moor Vets offers no OOH, no on-call, and a genuine four-day week alongside experienced colleagues who value your input.
No routine out-of-hours or on-call. Out-of-hours service provided by PetMedics. 1 in 4 Saturday mornings 9 am to 12.30 pm only (this is daytime weekend work, not OOH).
Pike Moor Vets is seeking an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join its close-knit team across two locations in Horwich and Westhoughton. This full-time position offers exceptional work-life balance: a four-day working week (three days negotiable), Saturday mornings only on a 1 in 4 rota, and no routine out-of-hours or on-call commitments. You'll manage a varied first-opinion caseload, enjoy clinical freedom, and have time to build meaningful client relationships without consultation targets or KPIs.
The practice has invested heavily in diagnostics and surgical capabilities, including ultrasound, digital dental radiography, in-house laboratory, and multiparameter monitoring. You'll work alongside five vets and seven RVNs, with access to a visiting cardiologist. There's genuine scope to develop new services if you have specialist interests; endoscopy and laparoscopic surgery are already on the practice's wish list, and Robin (owner and Head Vet) actively invests in equipment and training for team interests.
Located on the edge of beautiful countryside with easy reach to Manchester, the Peak District, North Wales and the Lake District, this role suits someone seeking clinical rewarding work balanced with genuine personal time.
Pike Moor Vets has been independently caring for pets since the 1970s. Owner Robin Hodgkinson joined as a newly qualified vet in 1995, progressed to partner, and became sole owner in 2019. Rather than chasing rapid growth, the practice has focused on investing in people, strengthening clinical standards, and building a stable, supportive team. This approach has shaped Pike Moor's collaborative culture where decisions are made by those who know the patients, clients, and team.
Operating across two well-equipped locations in Horwich and Westhoughton (four miles apart), the practice offers a comprehensive first-opinion service. The team comprises five vets and seven RVNs with diverse experience and interests. Soft tissue surgery, including BOAS and complex reconstructive procedures, is a particular strength. The practice values clinical freedom, continuity of care, and good medicine over business metrics. Leadership and communication are developed collaboratively through regular team meetings and an open culture where all ideas are heard and valued.
More UK veterinary opportunities you might like
