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.

Making sure you fit the guidelines as an applicant for this role is essential, please read the below carefully.About UsSince 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. But it''s the supportive and collaborative spirit within Millcroft Vets that truly sets us apart.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. That’s why our vets tend to stay with us for a long time – with the average being an impressive 11 years.Support is never in question here, and that doesn’t end with the completion of the VetGDP. 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. Combine this with our large team''s knowledge and support, and our diverse caseload, and we will challenge and develop your skills from day one.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 also have regular clinical meetings, providing an excellent opportunity to gather over a meal and socialise as we discuss any challenging cases and share ideas for improving our services.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.What our team says about us“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. There are opportunities to branch into areas of your own interests, and certificates are encouraged. The culture is friendly, encouraging and passionate. Nothing is too much of a bother for anyone. Plus, it’s a beautiful part of the country with friendly people, both colleagues and clients.”

Daisy MRCVS"I''ve been at Millcroft for nearly four years since starting as a new graduate. The team are patient and kind. 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. You get a very wide experience base at Millcroft. We have access to a lot of knowledge, diagnostics and good equipment at our hub practice. If you do want to see particular types of cases or find you need to develop particular skills, the team are good at accommodating this. As a new graduate, you are eased into consulting and not sent to sole-charge branch practices. The partners and management are excellent at backing you up when needed. Finally, the location is beaten by very few practices in the UK if you have any outdoor interests at all.”

Gavin MRCVS“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 was very easy to come here and hit the ground running because the team was so approachable and helpful. It''s also fantastic having a better work/life balance to have more opportunities to explore the beautiful Lakes.”

Shannon MRCVS“I''ve been at Millcroft Vets for nine months now, and this is my first job since graduation. I''ve felt easily integrated into the team. Everyone is really friendly and helpful, and there''s a wide variety of specialist interests, so there''s always someone to turn to. 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.”

Ben MRCVSThe RotaOur vets enjoy a genuine 4-day week (8.30–6.30), with a balanced mix of consulting and operating, plus plenty of time built in for admin, phone calls, and leaving on time! (our last consult is 5:45 pm). With two vets operating each morning, there’s always someone to scrub in and support.When it comes to OOH, we are

wildly flexible.

Of our 30 vets, no two rotas look the same. While we ask everyone to contribute, we work with you to find the balance that suits your life and career stage. For most of us, that looks like just

1 night on call every 3 weeks

and

1 in 5 weekends

(including Saturday and Sunday consults, plus only one night on call). But if you’d prefer something different, we’ll happily build it around you.Support is really important to us. A dedicated RVN is on until 10:30 pm to triage calls and look after inpatients, and another RVN is on call overnight if you need backup. After any night on call, you get a half-day off, and following a weekend on call, you get the next day off, because rest matters.The social sideWe’re a tight-knit bunch who love to have fun together. 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 areaAs director Matt says,

"You''ll come for the job and stay for The Lakes."

Our practice incorporates half of the national park, and we are fortunate enough to be located in the quieter, less-touristy Western half.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”); road, gravel and mountain biking; sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, windsurfing and kayaking; rock climbing with everything from multi-pitch mountain trad climbing to sport and bouldering - both indoors and out; the Lakes is the birth-place of fell running with hundreds of fell and trail routes and races to have a go at.We offer:Salary package of £45,000 to £72,000, depending on experience6.3 weeks holiday, including public holidaysPrivate health insurance (after 1yr continuous employment), plus flu vaccine and eye testsCPD encouraged and fully funded to certificate level, with the caseload to make certificates practicalAccommodation is available if needed in one of our practice housesProfessional fees paid for RCVS, VDS, plus a membership of your choiceAn Employee Assistance Programme which provides 24/7 support by experienced in-house counsellors, and legal and financial expertsDiscounted veterinary fees and free membership to our Lifetime Care ClubCycle-to-work scheme and discounted gym membershipLots of team social eventsCompany pensionIf you want to know more about us, please call us for an informal chat or apply now.