Shape Your Career with an Award-Winning Independent Practice in Dorset
At Vetsmiths, we believe veterinary medicine is as much a craft as it is a science. Since opening our doors in Wimborne Minster in 2020, we’ve built something special: an independent, family-run practice with a strong sense of community and a team who are the foundation of everything we do.
Working together in our boutique-style clinic, we’re proud to offer not only high-standard veterinary care but also the best possible experience for clients and their pets. We’re all about building relationships, whether that’s with our clients, their animals, or each other, and this ethos has helped us achieve an impressive list of awards in just a few years.
We were Best Independent Vets in Dorset 2021 (just one year after opening), then Best Business in Wimborne 2023, followed by Best Place to Work and New Business of the Year (twice!). In 2024, we were finalists for Family Business of the Year, winners of Best New Business in East Dorset (spanning Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ringwood, Ferndown, Wimborne, and the Purbecks), and most recently, we’ve been awarded Silver Outstanding Customer Service 2025. So when we say you’ll be joining a winning team, we mean it!
About Us
Our clinic is set in a beautiful Grade II listed building in the heart of Wimborne Minster. Owners Chris and Sam designed Vetsmiths to be different from traditional vet practices, making it more welcoming, more modern, and with a real “wow” factor.
We’re fully equipped with all the kit you’d expect (and more), including DR and dental X-ray, advanced ultrasound with a cardio package, iM3 dental unit with rodent attachments, Casco kennelling with in-built heating and lighting, and a fully equipped in-house lab. We’re also proud to be RCVS-accredited and to have held ISFM Silver Cat Friendly status for five years running, thanks in no small part to our dedicated cat advocate, Lorna, who helped us achieve this recognition within just four months of opening.
Our vets bring a lovely mix of experience and special interests:
* Chris (our director) enjoys all aspects of practice but has a real passion for rabbit medicine, ophthalmology, and business management. He loves sharing knowledge—whether it’s case discussions, clinical meetings, or mentoring the team.
* Lorna has been with us from day one. Alongside her cat-friendly advocacy, she holds an Advanced Practitioner Certificate in Primary Care and has particular interests in imaging, feline behaviour and medicine, and imported diseases.
* Keshia is a big hit with both clients and their pets, as well as with the rest of the team. She has particular interests in diagnostic imaging and cardiology, and also loves caring for small furries.
* Martha is fun, bubbly, and passionate about her work. She’s always ready to muck in wherever she’s needed
Our four vets are backed by an outstanding team of 3 RVNs, 3 ANAs, and 6 brilliant receptionists. We’re also fortunate to have Andy Morris, a referral orthopaedic surgeon, visit us regularly, allowing us to manage the majority of cases in-house.
Why We Love It Here
“I have worked at Vetsmiths now for over 2 years and am very happy here. The client base is lovely, and case continuity is prioritised, so I am able to build a strong rapport with my clients and can see cases through, which is very rewarding. The excellent nursing team, high-quality equipment and facilities mean I am able to provide the best possible care for my patients, which gives me great job satisfaction. Client care is a high priority for all of the staff at Vetsmiths. From the receptionists to the nursing team, I always feel reassured that my clients are in safe hands. I feel very supported here by my colleagues and am lucky to work at such a special place!” Keshia MRCVS
“I love working at Vetsmiths because it’s a place where I feel I can reach my full potential as a vet. It is inclusive and supportive, with a wonderful team of dedicated colleagues. I achieve a high level of satisfaction with my cases because I have the time and consistency to do so while also developing a loyal following of dedicated clients. Not only is it a beautiful environment to work in, but there are lovely walks and fabulous cafes on the doorstep to enjoy on your lunch break. Joining Vetsmiths from the beginning was so exciting and definitely the right decision for me.” Lorna MRCVS
Our Culture
At Vetsmiths, our ethos is simple: trust, respect, and genuine care. Every team member has a voice and is equally valued, which is why we all share the same benefits and have a say in how the practice is run.
Wellbeing matters to us. Sam, our mental health first aider, regularly checks in with the team to ensure everyone feels supported and appreciated, not just for big achievements, but for everyday moments too. Our Monthly Team Champion award is one of the ways we celebrate these little wins that make a big difference.
We’re a sociable bunch who love spending time together outside of work. From curry nights and riverside walks to Christmas wreath-making workshops (now an annual favourite!), there’s always something to look forward to. For our big Christmas party, partners are invited, and overnight accommodation is arranged so everyone can properly relax, have fun, and celebrate as a team.
Being part of the Wimborne community is important to us, and we’re proud to support other local independent businesses, whether that’s stocking freshly ground beans from Grounded Coffee or teaming up with nearby makers and suppliers.
We also care about our impact on the planet, and with two sustainability champions on the team, we’re committed to driving positive change. Through our partnership with Ecologi, we’ve created our very own Vetsmiths’ forest, planting over 4,300 trees and offsetting more than 294 tonnes of CO₂e so far.
The Role
Due to our continued success and growth, we’re looking for an exceptional, motivated, people-focused vet to join our close-knit team. Ideally, this is a full-time role, but we’re open to part-time for the right person. You’ll enjoy a varied caseload, a well-structured rota, and plenty of time to build those all-important client relationships.
* 1 in 4 Saturday mornings
* No Sundays, bank holidays, or OOH (covered by Vets Now just 5 minutes away)
* Protected admin time and lunch breaks (with no lunch interruptions allowed in our cosy kitchen area!)
* Evening finish times you can actually count on
If you’re looking for autonomy, supportive colleagues, and space to develop your interests, this could be the perfect role for you.
What We Offer
* A salary range of £48,000 - £70,000 (pro-rata for part-time)
* Five weeks’ holiday plus bank holidays
* Your birthday off to enjoy yourself and celebrate (with cake, of course!)
* Generous, uncapped CPD allowance – if it’s the right course for you and works for the practice, why wouldn’t we support you?
* Paid professional fees (RCVS & VDS)
* Annual town-centre parking permit (covering evenings, weekends and some other car parks around Dorset too)
* Pet insurance premiums paid for 1 dog, 2 cats, or 2 rabbits (after three months)
* Generous staff discount scheme and workplace pension
* Free fresh fruit and locally sourced coffee
* A supportive, award-winning, and genuinely friendly team
* Amazing clients who want the best for their pets
* Supportive working environment, with a fun, creative, and ethical company committed to its team, sustainability, and daring to do things a little differently
* Great location just 20 minutes from the beautiful beaches of Bournemouth and Poole, and the glorious New Forest.
Join Us
If you’d like to be part of a practice where people, pets, and community truly matter, we’d love to hear from you. Pop in for a coffee, give us a call, or apply today.