Great question, this page is designed to give you a peek into who we are, what we do, and how we do it.
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Originally founded by Alan Walker in 1981, we continue to provide a professional modern veterinary service for your pets, horses and livestock with traditional values in an approachable compassionate manner. Read on if you want to find out more about the practice, all available career vacancies are at the bottom of the page.
Hook Norton Vets is an independent veterinary practice offering specialist Small Animal, Equine, & Farm veterinary care across a wide geographic area. We cover all OOH services and have our very own SA designated Night Team of vets and nurses. We are proudly one of the founding members of XLVets, a group of independent veterinary practices spanning the length and breadth of the UK. We work together to share veterinary ideas, knowledge and skills.
We started as a local independent business and we remain a local independent business. Whilst our reach is now far and wide, we will continue to develop relationships with local clients, local businesses and local communities.
The bedrock of our business is the care of the animals we treat. From the smallest to the biggest, we will endeavour to seek out the best treatments, deliver them timely, and ensure that the animals always come first.
The most important investment we have is our staff. We promise to do our best for them, encouraging them to develop & harness their ambitions. We take the well-being of our staff very seriously and are committed to making changes that will enable everyone to “work happy”.
I joined HNVG in 2007, 2 years after qualifying. HNVG has become more than just a workplace for me; it’s like an extended family. The practice values of caring for their staff and patients are at the heart of everything the practice does. We have a friendly client base who are willing to do the best for their pets. This, together with the modern facilities, make it the perfect place to progress clinically as a vet to a very high standard. In a time when many vets have to send their OOH patients elsewhere or even transfer their inpatients, we are so lucky to have a 24-hour hospital. Colleagues are both fun and supportive, and I love being based in such a beautiful rural setting.
As nurses at HNVG, we are given lots of opportunities to develop our knowledge and clinical skills, nurse complex cases and work with a knowledgeable team. The business is very supportive of those wanting to work towards new qualifications and offers opportunities for career progression. We are actively encouraged to take part in practice funded social events to solidify the team and unwind after a stressful day.
Hook Norton Vets was my first job out of university, and I feel very lucky as I have really landed on my feet here. The clients have been fantastic, and I’ve felt welcomed by the team since day one. People are always keen to get together for pub quizzes, vet meetings and socials. The support I have received has been consistently exceptional, not just from the bosses but also from the other vets and support staff. It is the perfect environment to learn and grow, and all areas of interest are encouraged. The workload is shared out evenly, and everyone pulls their weight. It is a true community where we are all heard, respected and valued, the likes of which are hard to find.
We are able to do the best job we can as a team because we have the facilities to do that. We have a like-minded team that are all striving for the best care. We are utilised as nurses and encouraged to use our schedule 3 skills.
Working for Hook Norton Vets allows me the freedom and independence to use my initiative so I can provide the best possible service I can to my clients. Continuity of care is central to our ethos, which supports job satisfaction and service quality. The practice has long been a part of the local community, supporting other local businesses, organisations and local people, and in turn, provides a strong community within the practice to support every member of staff in their personal and professional growth and development.
As well as having an awesome team we also have a great social side to the practice. We have summer and Christmas parties as well as Secret Santa each year. We are running our own out of work badminton club as well. We are always looking for things we can do outside of work as a team, whether it's a coffee or a bbq at someone's house.
We have a great team spirit at HNVG. I have always felt supported and encouraged to do my best, to learn and progress. Something that is incredibly important to me is that we do our own out of hours; this allows us to provide an excellent service for our clients and amazing care for our hospitalised patients.
For me, the things that make HNVG a great place to work are my team of colleagues who support and help each other progress whilst working in the best interests of our patients. Everyone is motivated by providing quality veterinary care and equally motivated by their outside interests in sport and other areas. Regular vet meetings allow for a good chance of a social catch-up and mean that we keep up to date with what's going on in the small and farm animal world.
You're not just another employee; at HNVG, you are a valued member of the team whose opinion is listened to and valued. I've always been encouraged to learn and have now started my Equine Veterinary Nursing degree. I have never been made to feel stupid when asking silly questions! I love that every day is different, and no two days are the same.
As a new grad at HNVG, I have a designated mentor who offers daily support and monthly meetings. The team is incredibly supportive and offer advice whenever I need it. I have a backup for OOH’s, and I’ve been allowed to develop skills at my own pace, taking on surgeries and sole charge as I feel comfortable. It is fast-paced, so you have the opportunity to see a wide variety of cases and a very high standard of care. I could not ask for a better team to work with.
T.ogether
E.veryone can
A.chieve
M.ore
We believe that every one of us forms a small cog in the everyday workings of the practice. We face challenges together, and we’re intentional about building an inclusive culture where everyone can do their best work and be the best version of themselves. We’re building a practice designed to stand the tests of time, grow and evolve with the veterinary industry, and we want you to be part of it.
For all team members to feel respected and valued at work, it is vital that our workplace is genuinely inclusive, with no tolerance of prejudice or discrimination. As an organisation, we raise awareness of the importance of diversity and the effects of discrimination.
Recognising equality and diversity is fundamental to the success and performance of the organisation. As well as being morally the right thing to do, it is vital for the wellbeing of our team members.
It is important that everyone feel safe and secure when working, and we want everyone to feel comfortable and able to have discussions about diversity in the workplace. Our Thriving in Practice Team actively supports creating an inclusive workplace culture that strives to make a meaningful difference.
Teamwork makes the dream work. At Hooky you have a team of people to help guide you throughout your working day, and if you need it, after work too; be it a chat in the practice or the pub!
“It is in the roots, not the branches, that a tree’s greatest strength lies.”
– Matshona Dhliwayo.
We offer a competitive salary and all your standard benefits, plus more unusual ones.
We like to work hard and play harder!
Take a peek, you know you want to...
