Current Vacancies at XLVet Practices
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Small Animal Vet Opportunity - Hook Norton, Oxfordshire
Small Animal Vet – Permanent Role
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Location: Hook Norton Hospital and Branch sites, Oxfordshire.
Hours: 4 days per week (8:00 am – 6.30 pm) – other working pattern options considered
OOH: currently 1:10 full weekends (day shifts) and occasional Saturday morning consult
Time off: Monday morning off after full weekend; full day off after occasional night shift
Come and join Hook Norton Veterinary Group - a large, reputable, independent practice with a dedicated night team, superb remuneration package, and structured career pathway for all. Offering both hospital and branch work, all sites are situated in stunning locations across Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire.
About the Role
Small Animal Vets at Hook Norton Veterinary Group are typically based at the busy hospital in Hook Norton, with some sole charge at local branches. The role offers a fair share of consults, operations, hospital, and ambulatory shifts, all supported by extensive nursing and reception teams.
Consults are 15 minutes, with consideration for complex cases and administration, all supported by a dedicated Small Animal Coordinator. Rotas are designed to be realistic and sustainable. Once the shift ends, vets hand over to the dedicated in-house night team, who look after inpatients and emergencies overnight.
The practice has protocols for best practice but also respects and encourages clinical freedom to formulate and carry out individual clinical plans while working alongside a progressive and open-minded team. Hook Norton Veterinary Group takes pride in providing a high standard of care and enables and empowers its vets to do the same.
With a large and loyal client base, the successful candidate will enjoy a full and varied caseload, allowing expansion of surgical and medical experience. The practice supports professional development and recognises special interest areas, along with mentoring from internal staff and a career pathway designed to support long-term goals.
Clinical Team Includes:
19 Small Animal Vets (including 4 Senior/Director level)
17 Registered Veterinary Nurses, 5 Students, and several Assistants
A fully staffed in-house laboratory, dedicated pharmacy, and dispensary team
About the Candidate
The ideal candidate is a genuine team player and a real ambassador for the practice. They take pride in doing their job to the best of their ability and are willing to step in to support colleagues when needed. They thrive in a busy environment, enjoy the satisfaction of a great day’s work, and value opportunities to learn and develop their skills.
Equally, they appreciate the quieter moments to share interesting cases, catch up with colleagues, and further their CPD.
The successful candidate will bring:
Minimum 3 years of experience in a similar Small Animal vet role
Full UK driving licence and own transport (the practice is in a beautiful rural setting)
A collaborative, can-do attitude with high clinical aspirations
A genuine passion for animals, farming, equine care, and country life
What’s in It for the Successful Candidate
Competitive salary, experience-dependent
Funded RCVS membership and VDS cover
7 weeks holiday (increasing with service)
Private Medical Insurance, comprehensive wellbeing programme, and active social calendar
Generous staff discount scheme
Structured career pathway – from graduate to director level
CPD: 1 week/£1,500 per year plus funding and support for Certificates
Access to all XLVets resources and initiatives
About Hook Norton Veterinary Group
The practice is owned and managed by six practising Vet Directors who are fully immersed in daily operations, making quick decisions without red tape. Hook Norton Veterinary Group is a well-established, trusted independent practice with a great local reputation. It is also proud to be one of the founding members of XLVets, a nationwide community of independent practices working together to share knowledge and support.
How to Apply
If the Small Animal vet role sounds appealing, candidates should send their CV and a short covering letter (including preferred working hours/pattern, notice period, and salary expectations) to: careers@hooknortonvets.co.uk
For an informal chat in the first instance, call 01608 730501
Visit the website or follow Hook Norton Veterinary Group on social media (Facebook and Instagram) to see what life is really like at the practice.
Location: Hook Norton Hospital -
Exciting Opportunity - Veterinary Surgeon - Portland Vets, Kent
Portland Vets is looking for a new colleague.
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The practice is growing, with a new branch opening next month. The East Grinstead practice is a gold standard ISFM cat-friendly and PSS SA GP accredited site, and the team is seeking an enthusiastic, experienced individual to join them.
Portland Vets is a unique independent group of practices that puts its staff first. A dedicated management team is always striving to find new ways to provide the best working environment. Times are changing, and the veterinary profession must adapt so that staff feel safe and heard. The team includes long-standing staff members who are committed to providing the best possible care for patients. When staff move on, it is typically to pursue non-clinical opportunities within the veterinary profession.
Shifts are either 8 or 10 hours, with 15-minute consults as standard. Longer consults—30 minutes—can be booked for complex cases, and euthanasias are usually allocated 1 hour. Consults are booked mindfully, with protected time for admin. The practice uses Petsapp to facilitate easier communication with clients. The East Grinstead branch provides overnight inpatient care, supported by a dedicated night nurse, and the rota includes approximately 1 in 6 Saturdays.
Role Details
Salary: £50,000 – £65,000 FTE (depending on experience)
8 or 10-hour shifts (vet’s choice), with built-in admin time
1 in 6 Saturdays (average)
Supported by a large team of experienced veterinary nurses
Overtime and Saturday work compensated with time off
RCVS and VDS fees paid by the practice
Subscriptions to professional organisations (e.g. BSAVA) covered
Generous CPD budget
Support for certificates and further qualifications
5 weeks’ holiday per year, plus bank holidays
Option to purchase up to 5 extra days of holiday annually
Additional holiday awarded with length of service
Opportunity to receive private medical insurance via salary sacrifice
Portland Vets is passionate about creating a space where staff feel valued, motivated, and empowered to make a real difference for the animals in their care.
Qualified veterinary professionals seeking a better working life are encouraged to apply by contacting valerie@portlandvets.co.uk -
Maternity Cover Opportunity - Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) – Hook Norton Vets, Oxfordshire
Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) – 6-9 Month Maternity Cover
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Location: Hook Norton, Oxfordshire
Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) – choose between 5 x 8-hour shifts or 4 x 10-hour shifts
Out of Hours Requirement: Weekend rota (1:6 days/nights, no mid-week nights)
Reports To: Head of Nursing Services
Salary Bracket: £28000
Hook Norton Veterinary Group is proud to be an independent, well-established practice with a strong reputation for quality care and teamwork. The practice is currently seeking a passionate and dedicated Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) to join its Small Animal nursing team at the hospital, covering a maternity leave position. There is potential for the role to become permanent, subject to business needs.
The successful candidate will join a supportive and collaborative team comprising 17 RVNs, 5 Student Nurses, and 6 Veterinary Care Assistants, working alongside experienced veterinary surgeons in a busy hospital setting. Applications are welcomed from both seasoned RVNs and those recently qualified with a minimum of one year’s experience. While prior hospital experience is desirable, full training will be provided for the right candidate.
Although Hook Norton Veterinary Group also serves Farm and Equine clients, this role is dedicated exclusively to Small Animal care, allowing the RVN to focus on delivering outstanding clinical standards within a hospital environment.
Role Overview
The RVN will be actively involved in all aspects of nursing, including patient care, inpatient monitoring, surgical support, and emergency triage. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support high-quality veterinary care including:
In-house lab and diagnostics suite
Class 4 laser therapy
Laparoscopic surgical kit
ECG machine, EPOC, multi-parameter and blood pressure monitors (including Doppler)
Separate cat, dog, and isolation wards
Two theatres and a dedicated dental suite
A Day in the Life
Nurses at Hook Norton Vets are clinical professionals, not just support staff. The role includes rotation through:
Nurse consults and clinics
Inpatient and emergency care
Surgical and anaesthesia support
Diagnostic procedures and lab work
The RVN will be fully integrated into the care team, working in close partnership with vets and receptionists, sharing responsibility for cases from admission to discharge.
What Hook Norton Vets Is Looking For
RVN with a minimum of 1 year post-qualification experience in the UK
Confident, compassionate, and calm under pressure
Skilled at prioritising, multi-tasking, and using initiative
A team player with a passion for high-quality care
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Full driving licence and access to own vehicle
Competent with IT and quick to learn new systems
What’s in It for the Successful Candidate?
Salary starting from £28,000 per annum, depending on experience
5.6 weeks’ holiday, increasing with service
RCVS fees paid
£600 CPD allowance + 2 days (additional sponsorship available)
Free health cash plan and annual flu jab
Enhanced sick pay and family policies
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Generous staff discount on veterinary services and products
Why Join Hook Norton Vets?
Hook Norton Vets is more than just a workplace; it’s a community. Team members are supported in their professional development, valued for their contributions, and surrounded by colleagues who genuinely care. This is a role for someone ready to make a meaningful impact, grow, learn, and thrive.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send a CV and short covering letter (including preferred working hours/pattern and salary expectations) to: careers@hooknortonvets.co.uk
For an informal chat, call 01608 730501.
Visit the website and follow Hook Norton Vets on Facebook and Instagram to explore life at the practice. -
Opportunity for an Animal Nursing Assistant - Hook Norton Vets, Oxfordshire
Animal Nursing Assistant (ANA) – Permanent
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Location: Hook Norton, OX15 5DG
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours/week 4×10 hr day shifts with flexibility to work other shifts as required
Reporting to: Head of Nursing Services
Hook Norton Veterinary Group is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, caring, and conscientious individual to join its Small Animal Veterinary Nursing Team as an Animal Nursing Assistant. The ideal candidate will bring at least one year of experience in a similar veterinary environment and will benefit from a structured training and development programme from day one.
About Hook Norton Vets
Hook Norton Vets is a large, independent veterinary practice with a longstanding reputation in the local community. Located just outside the village of Hook Norton, the practice has been caring for pets, farm animals, and horses across Oxfordshire and surrounding areas for over 40 years.
The Small Animal Hospital operates 24/7, offering services ranging from routine check-ups and vaccinations to surgery and emergency care. In addition to the hospital, the practice includes three branch surgeries and dedicated teams for farm and equine care, supported by a fully equipped equine clinic.
Role Overview
The Animal Nursing Assistant will work closely with the Small Animal Team in a varied and dynamic role. Responsibilities include:
Assisting with animal handling and patient care.
Preparing surgical areas and supporting procedures in theatre.
Providing support in hospital wards, consult rooms, pharmacy, and laboratory settings.
Accompanying mobile vets in the community.
Maintaining cleanliness and stock levels in clinical areas.
Supporting administrative tasks, infection control, and other operational duties.
Given the nature of the role, candidates must be comfortable managing a range of emotions, as the caseload includes emergencies and end-of-life care. The position is physically active and requires being on one’s feet for most of the day.
Candidate Profile
While formal animal care qualifications are beneficial, prior veterinary experience and a positive, proactive attitude are considered more important. The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Strong communication skills - clear, calm, and compassionate.
Quick learning ability and adaptability.
Attention to detail and a collaborative spirit.
A willingness to contribute to a hardworking and friendly team.
Practical Requirements
Residence within 30–40 minutes of Hook Norton (OX15 5DG).
Own transport is essential due to the rural location.
Shifts may start as early as 7:00 am and finish as late as 2:00 am, including some weekends.
Benefits
£12.21/hr, rising to £12.60/hr after probation.
Branded uniform provided.
5.6 weeks holiday (including bank holidays), increasing with service.
Generous staff discounts for personal pets.
Free healthcare cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme.
Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies.
Regular team socials and internal recognition.
Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
Why Join Hook Norton Vets?
Hook Norton Vets is more than a veterinary practice, it is a community. The team is proud to be independent, inclusive, and passionate about animal care. The practice is committed to nurturing local talent and providing opportunities for growth and development within the veterinary profession.
Whether the successful candidate chooses to pursue nursing qualifications or build a long-term support career, this role offers a meaningful and rewarding start.
Ready to Apply?
1. Send Hook Norton your CV to: careers@hooknortonvets.co.uk
2. With a short covering letter or send us a video explaining why you’d love to join the team: Text/WhatsApp: 07943 313176
3. Complete the online questionnaire.
Got questions? Call us for an informal chat: 01608 730501
Location: Hook Norton
Salary Bracket: £12.21