Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is an opportunity for an experienced small animal vet to join Millcroft Vets in Cockermouth, part of a six branch group serving Cumbria. The role combines consulting and operating in a practice that offers 24 hour care from its central hub, with plenty of scope to develop clinically alongside a large and collaborative team.

You will work a genuine four day week, with hours of 8.30am to 6.30pm and a last consult at 5.45pm. The rota includes a balanced mix of consulting and theatre time, plus time built in for admin and phone calls. For most vets, the OOH pattern is 1 night on call every 3 weeks and 1 in 5 weekends, although the practice says it is flexible and will work with the right candidate to find the right balance.

The practice is set in the Lake District, so if you enjoy the outdoors, the local area is a major part of the appeal. The team describes the culture as supportive, friendly and collaborative, with regular clinical meetings, certificate holders across several disciplines, and a strong focus on mentoring and case discussion.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out a mix of consulting and operating as part of the small animal team
• Take part in the rota across the main Cockermouth hub and branch network as required
• Contribute to OOH cover on the shared rota pattern
• Work with two vets operating each morning and support colleagues with case discussions
• Take part in regular clinical meetings and collaborative case review
• Support the practice’s in house and second opinion service across a broad caseload

Requirements

• Experienced small animal vet
• Suitable for vets who are a few years qualified or more seasoned in practice
• Open to vets who want development opportunities and access to mentoring

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 encouraged and fully funded to certificate level
• Accommodation available if needed in one of the practice houses
• RCVS and VDS fees paid, plus one membership of your choice
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support from in house counsellors and legal and financial experts
• Discounted veterinary fees and free membership to the Lifetime Care Club
• Cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership
• Team social events
• Company pension
• OOH rota support includes 1 night on call every 3 weeks and 1 in 5 weekends for most vets
• After a night on call, a half day off is given, and after a weekend on call, the next day off is provided

About the Practice

Millcroft Vets has roots in Cumbria dating back to the 1920s and describes itself as a fiercely independent, award winning practice. It has a central hub in Cockermouth offering 24 hour care, plus branches in Workington, Keswick, Aspatria, Maryport and Egremont.

The practice team includes 27 vets, with certificate holders in surgery, medicine, emergency and critical care, cardiology, diagnostic imaging, behaviour and exotics. Facilities include top end video endoscopy, high resolution ultrasound scanning, Class IV laser, Tonovet and dental radiography. The practice website is https://www.millcroftvets.co.uk/.