Job descriptionJoin the Growing Team at Hamstone Vets – Where Care Meets Community Hamstone Vets, an independent veterinary practice in the heart of Crewkerne, is looking for a passionate Veterinary Surgeon to join our growing team. This is a full-time role with a flexible rota and a supportive, experienced team. Who We Are Hamstone Vets was founded by Emily and Ellie with a clear vision: to create the kind of veterinary practice they would want for their own pets. A place where modern veterinary expertise sits alongside the values of a traditional, community-focused practice, where clients are known by name, relationships are built on trust, and every patient receives truly personalised care. Having worked together for several years, Emily and Ellie knew they shared the same approach to veterinary medicine and client care. When the opportunity came to create their own independent practice, they set out to build something special: a welcoming, supportive environment for both clients and their team. With strong West Country roots, they found the perfect home at the Linen Yard in Crewkerne, a location that reflects both the character of the region and the warm, welcoming atmosphere they wanted to create. It’s somewhere that feels part of the local community while delivering high‑quality, modern veterinary care. Today, Hamstone Vets is more than a veterinary practice; we’re a community where every patient is known by name, every client feels valued, and every team member has room to grow. Our Team * Emily grew up surrounded by animals and developed her passion for veterinary medicine early on. After graduating, she gained experience working in mixed and small animal practices across the West Country. Emily has a special interest in soft‑tissue surgery and recently completed her advanced practitioner certificate in small animal surgery. * Ellie has loved animals from a young age and began her veterinary career through work experience at a local practice before qualifying as an RVN. She has since achieved her Advanced Veterinary Nursing Certificate and has a particular passion for emergency and critical care nursing. * Sophie came to veterinary medicine after first completing a degree in Zoology. She has worked in busy small animal practices across the West Country and has a particular interest in geriatric medicine. She has recently completed a course in herbal medicine and is looking forward to utilising this in everyday practice. * Erica, originally from Ireland, completed her veterinary degree in Australia before settling in the Southwest. She enjoys both soft tissue surgery and medicine and is always keen to expand her skills. * Max joined the team after spending time with us on placement while studying at the Royal Veterinary College. Since graduating in 2025, he has quickly become a valued member of the team and has a keen interest in both medicine and surgery. * Oana enjoys small animal dentistry and surgery. Alongside our vets, we have a fantastic and highly experienced nursing team of five RVNs and two ANAs, supported by a friendly and knowledgeable reception team who help keep the practice running smoothly. We also work closely with Kelly, a Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist, who supports our patients with small animal rehabilitation, helping them recover from injury and live full, comfortable lives. Life at Hamstone Vets – In Their Words "Working at Hamstone Vets has been an incredible start to my career. From day one, I have felt genuinely supported by a team that prioritises collaboration and continuous learning. The caseload is varied and rewarding, with an exceptional client base. I feel valued, challenged and overwhelmingly welcomed by every single member of the team." Max, Vet "I joined Hamstone Vets last year, and honestly, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career. What really sets Hamstone Vets apart is the leadership and the team members; we all love being here. The owners of the practice are not just ‘in charge’ — they’re right there with us on the floor, working incredibly hard and leading by example every single day. It creates a real sense that everyone is in it together, which makes a huge difference. There’s a genuinely supportive, family‑like atmosphere here. The team looks out for one another, and there’s a strong focus on making sure everyone feels valued, supported, seen and happy at work. At the same time, there’s a shared drive to do our very best for our patients, which keeps standards high without feeling pressured. It’s just a really lovely group of people to work with — approachable, kind, and always willing to help... and lots of tea! to keep you going." Oana, Vet "The team is not only highly skilled and knowledgeable but also genuinely kind and compassionate, creating an environment where both staff and clients feel supported and valued. What I appreciate most is that everyone is treated as equals, regardless of role. This fosters a culture of trust, teamwork, and open communication, where people feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and supporting one another. I feel very grateful to be part of a team that consistently strives to deliver the best possible care and truly makes a difference every day." Sophie, RVN "I have been an employee of HV from the practice’s inception and can’t see myself ever wanting to leave! The team spirit is truly exceptional, and this is reflected in the practice's success, its wonderfully loyal client base, and the bond and local support that really add to the positive and rewarding atmosphere within the practice. I have worked in numerous practices during my 20‑year‑plus career, and I can honestly say I have never been happier." Victoria, Receptionist "I joined the Hamstone team just a few weeks before opening its doors, and it’s safe to say I have never looked back. It’s an absolute honour to work with such a passionate group of people. Emily and Ellie are so supportive, and it’s nice to feel genuinely appreciated on a daily basis. Not only do we all work incredibly well as a team, we also socialise outside of work regularly, too. I have worked as an ANA for over 14 years now, which has come with highs and lows. 3 years ago, I even questioned my future in veterinary. However, Hamstone vets has been a breath of fresh air for me, and I now couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. I feel incredibly lucky every day and can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings for both us and all of our wonderful clients!" Samantha, Animal Care Assistant "Hamstone Vets is an amazing place to work, I feel valued as a member of staff and very lucky to be part of a fantastic team. I have never worked anywhere like it. It is a very supportive environment where every team member’s voice is listened to. We all work together for the same goal of a successful independent vet practice where animals are at the heart of what we do." Kate, Receptionist "When I started working at Hamstone Vets, I had no prior knowledge of the role. Within a year, thanks to the training and support I received, I’ve learned so much and achieved more than I ever expected. The teamwork here is fantastic—everyone is so supportive and always willing to help, which has made a huge difference in my progress." Rachel, Receptionist Who We’re Looking For We’re looking for an experienced vet who shares our values: compassionate, confident, curious, and collaborative. Someone who loves building relationships with clients and their pets, thrives in a friendly, team‑based environment, and wants to develop professionally while contributing to a practice that values long‑term growth. The Rota This is a full‑time position, and we’re happy to be flexible with the rota. Whether you’re looking for a 4‑day week (8:30–6:30) or prefer five shorter days, we’re happy to discuss the options available. Our out‑of‑hours rota is very manageable, with just one weeknight per week and one weekend in six, which includes your Saturday consult shift (9–12). You’ll be on call from home, attending the practice only when required. An RVN is also on call to assist when needed and help care for any inpatients. After working a weekend, you’ll receive the following Friday off in lieu. Our Facilities We’re proud to offer a well‑equipped, modern clinic that allows our team to work up cases thoroughly and deliver high‑quality care. Our facilities include digital radiography, a dental suite, an in‑house laboratory, and a modern surgical theatre equipped with laparoscopy. As the practice continues to grow, we’re also expanding into the neighbouring unit, which will allow us to increase our consulting space from five to seven consult rooms and further develop our clinical facilities. Patient comfort is incredibly important to us, and we are proud to be an ISFM Gold Cat‑Friendly Practice, with separate dog and cat waiting areas and wards designed to reduce stress and create a calmer experience for our feline patients. We are continually looking for ways to develop the services we offer and are currently exploring the addition of endoscopy equipment to further expand our diagnostic capabilities. Life Outside the Practice While we take pride in delivering excellent veterinary care, we also believe a happy team makes a great practice. Outside of work, we enjoy spending time together as a team, whether that’s days out watching the rugby at Exeter Chiefs, team meals, or simply catching up outside the practice. Being based in the beautiful South West also means plenty of opportunities to enjoy the coast, countryside and everything the region has to offer. Why Join Us? * A thriving, supportive team where people genuinely enjoy working together * A true independent practice with strong community roots * Opportunities for professional development and further study * A well‑equipped practice where you can develop your clinical interests * Clinical freedom and time to work up cases properly * A friendly, collaborative environment where your ideas and input are valued * A beautiful location in the South West countryside, close to the Jurassic Coast We Offer * Salary from £55,000–£65,000, depending on experience * 5.6 weeks holiday, including bank holidays * CPD encouraged, with certificates supported and funded * Private medical insurance (including spouse and children) * RCVS and VDS fees paid * Well‑behaved woofers welcome Interested? We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’d like to apply straight away or just have a friendly chat about the role, please get in touch. We’re always happy to welcome you for an informal visit so you can meet the team, see the practice, and get a feel for what makes Hamstone Vets such a special place to work. Come and experience the friendly, supportive atmosphere for yourself – we can’t wait to meet you! #J-18808-Ljbffr
