Small Animal Veterinary Surgeons - Pembrokeshire, Wales

Small Animal Vets

Escape to the Country?     Pembrokeshire, Wales

Two of our great vets are expecting babies in Spring 2021, so we have a new opportunity for  ambitious and energetic full-time small animal veterinary surgeons (part-time could be considered) to join our mixed practice (permanent posts, not just maternity cover) from January 2021. 

Our vision is to be a premier small animal veterinary practice, with a highly trained and contented team.  We aim to provide high quality evidence-based veterinary care, with compassion.

Located in Pembrokeshire, west Wales, surrounded by beautiful beaches, country walks and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, we are very much a rural practice. Our main small animal surgery in Haverfordwest offers surgery, dentistry, internal laboratory, ultrasound, radiography and endoscopy. Our Fishguard branch has internal laboratory, dentistry and surgical facilities and is the site of our aquatic treadmill for hydrotherapy, and where our rehab/physio nurses are based.  We use laser in both.

Although rural, we pride ourselves on providing a first-class small animal service, being able to practise excellent medicine with great clients. Our small animal client base does have a bias towards dogs, but we see plenty of cats, small furries and the occasional exotic and bird. Your main work would include routine consultations, diagnostics and surgical procedures.  Our client base varies both financially and in expectations, so an ability to flex your people skills and adapt your approach to bring the clients along in the treatment of their pet, is essential.

We aim to give all small animal vets a share of the surgical workload (if they so wish). Most complex surgery is conducted in-house by an RCVS AP in Small Animal Surgery.  We encourage and fund CPD and the development of clinical interests. Currently one vet is studying towards a certificate in small animal practice, alongside the surgery certificate holder and a diplomate in anaesthesia.

We cover our own out-of-hours work, and the successful candidate will bring our number in the rota up to 7.  Our leave allowance is 33 days per year (including bank holidays). Our vets work a 4.5-day week in general, with a combination of early finishes (1pm once a week), standard finishes (5pm) and later finishes (7pm on your night on-call).  Included will be your RCVS fees, BVA and VDS memberships. Salary varies with experience (from £32-£42k).   5 days and £1750 for CPD, though flexibility can be considered for those wishing to pursue further qualifications.

We are a friendly and experienced team of vets and staff who will be able to provide you with the support you need to develop your skills whilst working in this busy practice, allowing you to develop your clinical pathway.  We are a great place to increase confidence and experience in your veterinary skills, as you really will encounter many different cases, yet have a team around to discuss and support your decision-making.  Many vets stay with us for long periods.

We value team input, and have a management system where all voices are heard.  There are opportunities to be part of planning – clinical, marketing, puppy socials, and social events for example.  Recently our small animal team have rewritten our values and vision.

Coronavirus has presented us with some new challenges, but our team have dealt with them in an extremely positive way.  In our two main surgeries we continue to work behind locked doors.  We are lucky to have large car parks and open space around us, so are able to consult with clients outside (or in our shelters) then bring their pets in for our nursing team to handle for examination.  We have increased consult times from 15 to 30 minutes to account for this, with longer slots given where required.  We are managing a small portion of our caseload by telephone consultation.  Visors, mask and gloves are available for all team members, although Pembrokeshire has seen only a relatively low number of COVID cases.  Risk assessments are available at both main surgeries, and rotas have been reorganised to cope with social distancing.  We are following BVA and RCVS advice on how to provide a safe service whilst protecting our team.  We will be working behind locked doors until we are sure it is safe.  Currently our St Davids branch is closed, as it’s lay-out makes it impossible to maintain social distancing. 

Socially we have good support networks within our teams, with summer and Christmas get-togethers for the whole practice, and smaller gatherings in between (in non-COVID times of course).  We participate in charity events together, and may also enjoy a run, dog walk or horse ride in groups.  Our team ranges from early 20s to mid 60s in age, with a wide variety of interests outside work.  We like to celebrate successes, new arrivals and eat cake.

If you would enjoy being a part of our team, and would like to know more, please contact Caroline Gardner on carolinegardner@oakvetgroup.co.uk or telephone 01437 760111 for more information.

www.oakvetgroup.co.uk                                                          

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