Thrive with the supportive team at Millcroft Vets, winners of the XLVets Inspirational Teams award, where you can enjoy a great work-life balance, stunning scenery, and endless outdoor adventures. Since the 1920s, Millcroft Vets has been a cornerstone of animal care in Cumbria. We're a fiercely independent, award-winning practice built on a commitment to providing exceptional veterinary care. We are looking for an experienced small animal vet to join our 27-vet team, so whether you’re a few years qualified or a seasoned pro looking for development opportunities, you'll benefit from the mentorship, knowledge sharing, and a culture that empowers you to reach your full potential. For vets in their crucial first few years of practice, we’ll do all we can to build your confidence and help you become a truly great vet. We have a great track record of looking after our recent graduates and will pair you with one of our five VetGDP advisors, specially chosen to match your interests and career goals. We have certificate holders in surgery, medicine, emergency and critical care, cardiology, diagnostic imaging, behaviour, and exotics, so there’s always someone to offer a helping hand or discuss cases. We are a six-branch practice with a central hub in Cockermouth (offering 24-hour care) and branches in Workington, Keswick, Aspatria, Maryport and Egremont. We have excellent, purpose-built facilities, including top-end video endoscopy, high-resolution ultrasound scanning, Class IV laser, Tonovet, and dental radiography. This allows us to provide comprehensive in-house and second-opinion services.
If you would like to know a bit more about this opportunity, or are considering applying, then please read the following job information.
I enjoy working at Millcroft Vets because of the great team of people who are all more than happy to encourage, help, and support each other. I've been at Millcroft for nearly four years since starting as a new graduate. They are very willing to help with questions or cases and have broad interests, so there is typically somebody who knows a little more about whatever unusual case you have encountered. We have access to a lot of knowledge, diagnostics and good equipment at our hub practice. As a new graduate, you are eased into consulting and not sent to sole-charge branch practices. Finally, the location is beaten by very few practices in the UK if you have any outdoor interests at all.” Coming from mixed practice into a slightly more small animal-focused role, I thought I may feel overwhelmed, but the team at Millcroft was very welcoming and supportive. It's also fantastic having a better work/life balance to have more opportunities to explore the beautiful Lakes.” I've been at Millcroft Vets for nine months now, and this is my first job since graduation. The area is an excellent place to live as well, being right in the Lakes, with beautiful countryside and plenty of options for being outdoors, whatever your interests.” The Rota
We also have two vets operating each morning, so someone is always available to scrub in and help. Our consult blocks include scheduled breaks for catching up on admin or making phone calls. After consulting with our team, we have designed our OOH rota to ensure you never have to work a full weekend. Unlike many weekend rotas, our rota means you only ever work one of the weekend nights and share the weekend with other vets. Plus, to help our vets recharge, you will get a half day off following a night on call and a day off following a weekend on call. While we plan for a maximum of 1:8 weeknights, in reality, our current rota means our vets are actually working just 1:12 weeknights.
For the right person, we're also happy to discuss a significantly reduced OOH contribution to suit your needs, accommodating everything from a full share of weekends and weeknights to Saturday day shifts only.
With a team of 90, there’s always something being organised, including dog walks or unwinding at the pub, and we even have our own wild swimming group, the ‘Blue Tits!’ Our practice ‘awards’ took centre stage at the summer bash - a party at the local cricket club – and are a great way to celebrate everyone's achievements, big or small. We had a blast, and the team certainly made the most of the open bar and hog roast.
We're passionate about giving back to the local community and sponsoring various local sports, including a hole at Cockermouth Golf Club, the kit for the Cockermouth Youth Cricket Team, and rugby games. We also participate in local dog shows, have a stand at the Cockermouth agricultural show, have a close bond with our local Young Farmers Clubs and are always up for getting involved with local initiatives - like proudly sponsoring the Cockermouth Beer Festival with free drinks for all team!
The local area
But, as you can see from our video, the Lake District National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) offers more than just breathtaking views. If you love spending time outdoors, there are endless opportunities for adventures right at your doorstep, such as hiking the 214 Wainwrights (“The Lake Districts’ Munros”); rock climbing with everything from multi-pitch mountain trad climbing to sport and bouldering - both indoors and out; Salary package of £45,000 to £72,000, depending on experience
~3 weeks holiday, including public holidays
~ Private health insurance (after 1yr continuous employment), plus flu vaccine and eye tests
~ Accommodation is available if needed in one of our practice houses
~ Professional fees paid for RCVS, VDS, plus a membership of your choice
~ An Employee Assistance Programme which provides 24/7 support by experienced in-house counsellors, and legal and financial experts
~ Discounted veterinary fees and free membership to our Lifetime Care Club
~ Cycle-to-work scheme and discounted gym membership
~ Lots of team social events
~ Company pension
If you want to know more about us, please call us for an informal chat or apply now.