How Independent Veterinary Practices in the UK Can Successfully Recruit Veterinary Surgeons

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Recruit Veterinary Surgeons to your team

Running an independent veterinary practice in today’s competitive landscape is no easy task. Between providing outstanding care to animals, managing the day-to-day operations of your business, and keeping up with client expectations, finding the time to recruit the right veterinary surgeon can feel like an overwhelming challenge.

With corporate practices often offering high salaries and extensive benefits, it can be difficult for smaller, independent practices to compete, unless they take a smart and strategic approach to recruitment.

Here are some practical tips to help you attract and retain the right veterinary professionals for your team.

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Highlight What Makes Your Practice Unique

Veterinary surgeons are increasingly looking for roles that offer more than just a paycheque. Culture, work-life balance, team dynamics, and opportunities for growth are all critical considerations.

• Emphasise your supportive working environment, flexible rotas, or clinical freedom.
• Promote your independence. Some candidates are specifically seeking to work outside of corporate chains.
• If you offer mentorship, CPD funding, or chances to specialise, be sure to make this clear in your adverts.

Write Clear and Compelling Job Adverts

Your job advert is your first impression. Make it count by being transparent and engaging:

• Include the key responsibilities, working hours, salary range, benefits, and career development opportunities.
• Avoid jargon and overly corporate language.
• Speak directly to what matters to your ideal candidate, highlight work-life balance, autonomy, and team support.

Be Responsive and Respectful During the Hiring Process

Talented vets are in high demand and often receive multiple offers. A slow or impersonal recruitment process can cause you to lose great candidates.

• Respond quickly to applications.
• Keep communication friendly and professional.
• Offer interviews promptly and provide feedback where appropriate.

Leverage Your Network and Specialist Recruiters

While word-of-mouth and professional networks can sometimes yield candidates, they often aren’t enough. That’s where specialist veterinary recruitment services can offer a major advantage.

Let Menlo Park Veterinary Recruitment Take the Pressure Off

At Menlo Park Veterinary Recruitment, we understand the unique challenges faced by independent veterinary practices. Our mission is to connect you with the right veterinary surgeons, people who will not only thrive in your team but they help your practice grow.

When you work with us, we take all the hard work off your shoulders. From sourcing and screening candidates to providing tailored recommendations, we do the legwork so you don’t have to.

We always provide CVs for you to review, ensuring you remain in control of the hiring decision. We take the time to understand your practice and what you’re truly looking for, not just in skills, but in personality and values.

Whether you’re urgently filling a role or planning for long-term growth, we’re here to help you find the right fit.

Looking to recruit? Let’s talk.

Get in touch with Menlo Park Veterinary Recruitment today and let us help you build the team your practice deserves. We’ll take the pressure off and deliver results, efficiently, professionally, and personally.

Contact us here.