WE ARE RECRUITING FOR A MIXED PRACTICE VET TO JOIN OUR TEAM!

"Working at Coomara is the best move I ever made."

Are you looking for a mixed practice where you can enjoy a varied caseload, develop your clinical skills and still have time to enjoy life outside of work?

At Coomara Veterinary Practice, we believe great veterinary medicine happens when vets feel supported, valued and able to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

We're an independent, family-run mixed practice based in Carlisle, on the edge of the Lake District, with a friendly team of six vets and a fantastic support staff.

It's an exciting time to join us. In December 2023 we moved into our brand-new premises, a beautifully converted Victorian manor house with modern, purpose-built facilities including:

• Imaging suite (including ultrasound, digital xray, endoscopy and bronchoscopy)
• Theatre
• Three consult rooms
• Dedicated bereavement room
• Separate dog and cat waiting areas
• Modern kennels and gold-standard cattery

Our caseload is approximately 80% small animal and 20% farm (mainly dairy with some beef and sheep), with occasional equine work.

"I never realised how much I could enjoy being at work until I joined the Coomara "family" team"   Sarah MRCVS

Our Story

Coomara is led by Charlotte, who first joined the practice for work experience at just 14 years old. After completing her EMS placements at Coomara, and gaining experience elsewhere following graduation, she returned to the practice in 2011.

When the original owners later planned to sell, Charlotte stepped in to purchase the practice to preserve the supportive culture and fantastic team that make Coomara such a special place to work.

Today, that culture remains at the heart of everything we do.

 Our Team

Our veterinary team includes six vets with a wide range of clinical interests.

• Charlotte holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Medicine
• Sarah holds an RCVS Certificate in Equine Practice
• Jenny has a strong interest in small animal surgery and orthopaedics

"I really felt like I hit the ground running here. The team is great, and the caseload is pretty varied. It's really allowed me space to settle in as a new graduate and an opportunity to really expand my clinical abilities. Plus, the hours allow for a great work-life balance!" Joey MRCVS

We are also an RCVS-accredited nurse training practice with a brilliant nursing team of:

• 3 RVNs
• 1 SVN
• 1 ACA

Our clinical team is supported by our Practice Manager Pete and our fantastic reception team.

As one of our nurses says:

"I came to Coomara after working for a corporate for over a decade! The team are so supportive - like a warm hug on a cold day! Clients are lovely, patients are varied, we see a wide variety of conditions, and we have all the tools to have a go. If you came to Coomara tomorrow, you wouldn't be disappointed!" Michaela RVN

The Role 

We're looking for a mixed veterinary surgeon with some experience to join our team.  Perhaps you are recently graduated and looking for a more supportive role?  Perhaps you have been in mixed practice for a while and are looking to progress you career with a supported certificate?

Your week will include a mix of consulting, surgery and farm work, with dedicated days for each to allow you to fully develop your clinical skills.

Our full-time vets work a 4-day week, with two 5pm finishes and two 6:30pm finishes.

We start each day with an 8:30am team huddle to discuss cases, plan the day and hand over any overnight patients.

The OOH rota is 1:4, with:

• A day off after a weeknight on-call
• A 3-day week following a weekend on-call

There are no routine Saturday consults with this role, allowing the on-call vet to focus on emergencies and farm calls.

For vets in the earlier stages of their careers, Charlotte provides second on-call backup and mentoring, ensuring you always have support when needed.

CPD & Development

We're passionate about supporting our vets' professional development.

We actively encourage CPD and are happy to support vets who wish to pursue certificates or develop specific clinical interests.

Our varied caseload and supportive team provide excellent opportunities to develop your confidence and skills.

 Life Outside Work

We're a sociable team who enjoy spending time together outside work.

Alongside our annual summer BBQ and Christmas party, our social secretary, Alison, organises regular team events – from bowling nights to meals out.

We're also proud to be part of our local community, participating in local shows and fundraising events.

 Location

Carlisle offers the perfect balance of city life and outdoor adventure.

We're less than 30 minutes from Ullswater in the Lake District, offering incredible opportunities for hiking, kayaking, climbing and cycling.

Nearby you'll also find:

• The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site
• The stunning North East coastline just an hour away

Carlisle also has excellent rail links to Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London.

What We Offer

• Salary £35,000–£50,000 DOE
• 4-day working week
• 1:4 OOH rota with time off in lieu
• Accommodation available (2-bed house)
• Generous CPD allowance with certificate support
• Professional fees paid
• Supportive mentoring environment
• Modern facilities in brand-new premises
• Friendly, close-knit team

If you'd like to learn more about joining the Coomara team, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply or contact us for an informal chat.

Contact Charlotte Denston 07827345236, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.coomara.co.uk