All potential candidates should read through the following details of this job with care before making an application. We are looking for a fourth vet to join our supportive and friendly team at Rochford Vets, a small animal practice in Rochford, Essex—a quaint little market town near Southend-On-Sea. This means we get to choose our suppliers, the medicines we stock, and truly shape the way we care for our clients and their pets.
And keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes are Alison and Tom, who manage our insurance and accounts.
Ian, our owner, graduated from Edinburgh in 1988 and took ownership of Rochford Vets in 1991. He has a particular passion for internal medicine and dermatology cases, and he's also brilliant with ultrasound imaging.
Catherine, an RVC graduate, brings over 15 years of experience in general practice, excelling in both medicine and surgery. Catherine also holds a Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology and genuinely enjoys all aspects of eye medicine and surgery.
Dimitra is our newest vet, and graduated in 2017 from Aristoteleio University of Thessaloniki in Greece. She particularly enjoys soft tissue surgery.
“It is an independent practice where everyone puts the animals first! We understand that pets are a part of the family, and as a first-opinion practice, we often find ourselves supporting families through some of their toughest times. We always do so with empathy, remembering how much our own animals mean to us and treating them with care and compassion.
We believe this positive atmosphere flows both ways, and it’s why we always aim to communicate clearly with both our clients and each other, building strong relationships based on trust and confidence.
Here at Rochford Vets, we're all about bouncing ideas off each other, learning together, and supporting one another—it's a core part of our culture. Everyone’s input matters, and we hold fortnightly team meetings where everyone contributes ideas for improving our services and the way we work, using our continuous improvement system. That’s why we’re keen to support your ongoing professional development in every way we can. Whether you're keen to hone your expertise in general practice or you have particular interests you'd like to follow and pursue a certificate. With us, growing your knowledge isn't just about formal courses or online seminars (though we do have plenty of free online CPD for you to explore). You’re a vet with a few years’ experience and confidence in routine surgeries. You’re proactive, compassionate, and see general practice as a speciality in its own right.
Ideally, you live within a 40-minute commute of the practice, or you’re planning to relocate nearby (we can help with that if needed).
Our vets generally work a 4-day week, with just 1 in 4 Saturdays (9 am to 4 pm). Weekday shifts start between 8 and 9 am, and finish between 5 and 7.Our out-of-hours service is outsourced to the local Medivet 24hr hospital in Southend-on-Sea, and they also look after any inpatients, so your evenings, Sundays and bank holidays are free.
For example, we schedule standard 30-minute slots for dermatology cases or euthanasia appointments, ensuring that no one ever feels rushed. It all helps us create a more relaxed and supportive environment for everyone on the team.
A 4-day week, with just 1:4 Saturdays and no OOH
~ Relocation package available
~ 6 weeks’ holiday, including bank holidays
~ Private healthcare insurance
~ Cycle to work scheme
~ Group Life insurance policy for 3 x salary
Rochford is a charming market town with a lovely sense of community, and it’s just a stone's throw from the vibrant seaside town of Southend-on-Sea. Beyond the town centre, the surrounding area is a beautiful mix of countryside and coastline. For nature lovers, there are fantastic open spaces, such as Hockley Woods, the Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park, and the Essex coast, and with direct train links to London in under an hour, it's easy to pop into the city for a day trip. You’re welcome to get in touch for an informal chat — or apply directly with your CV and a short note about what draws you to Rochford Vets.