If you’re running an independent vet practice in the UK right now, you already know how tough recruitment has become. Between a shrinking talent pool, increasing competition from corporate groups, and changing expectations from candidates, finding (and keeping) the right team members can feel like a constant uphill climb.
But here’s the good news: you’re not powerless.
Independent practices have something incredibly valuable to offer — from genuine team culture to flexibility, autonomy, and community impact. The challenge is simply learning how to package and communicate that in a way that resonates with today’s veterinary professionals.
That’s where this strategy comes in.
Whether you’re actively hiring or just planning ahead, the steps below are designed to help you:
Stand out from the crowd (yes, even next to the big corporates)
Attract vets and nurses who’ll thrive in your environment
Build a team that’s motivated to stay for the long haul
1. Define & Showcase Your Unique Selling Points
Today’s candidates are looking for flexibility, culture, development, and wellbeing. That’s where independents can shine.
Action Plan:
Write down 3 things that make your practice different (e.g. real team input, tailored CPD, no corporate targets).
Reflect these consistently in:
Job ads
Website “Work with Us” page
Social media posts
Interview conversations
Pro Tip: Add short team video clips or testimonials to your website/socials that show off your culture and values.
2. Tighten Up the Job Ad Game
Generic ads won’t cut it. Vets are skipping over cookie-cutter posts.
Action Plan:
Use clear, warm, human language. Be real.
Highlight:
Salary range
Flexible working (if possible)
Supportive team culture
CPD and progression paths
Mental health & well-being support
Avoid long lists of “requirements” unless they’re truly essential.
Example Opener:
“We’re a small, close-knit team in [town], and we’re looking for a vet who wants a voice, variety, and a decent work-life balance. We believe in long coffee breaks, full support for CPD, and no pressure to upsell.”
3. Make the Hiring Process Fast and Friendly
Good candidates don’t stay on the market long — speed and warmth matter.
Action Plan:
Reply to applications within 3 working days.
Personalise responses — even if it’s a no.
Offer informal chats before formal interviews (e.g. 15-min “meet the practice” Zoom).
Give quick feedback post-interview.
Pro Tip: Consider a “candidate pack” PDF with team intros, benefits, shift patterns, and local info to send after the first call.
4. Tap into Hidden Talent Pools
Not every great vet professional is actively job hunting. Some are passively browsing or thinking about change.
Action Plan:
Use your network: ask suppliers, locums, referral contacts, or friendly practices if they know someone quietly looking.
Share job posts in Facebook vet groups, LinkedIn, Instagram — not just job boards.
Reach out to local vet schools or new grads open to mentorship.
Pro Tip: Reconnect with previous applicants who might be ready now.
5. Improve Retention to Reduce Recruitment Pressure
Keeping your current team happy helps build a reputation that attracts others.
Action Plan:
Do quarterly 1:1s to ask:
How’s your work-life balance?
Anything you want to develop or specialise in?
Any frustrations we can fix?
Celebrate wins: birthdays, patient milestones, Friday treats.
Regularly ask the team: “If you were writing our job ad, what would you say?”
6. Build a “Always Recruiting” Culture
Don’t wait until you’re desperate. Build a mini talent pool year-round.
Action Plan:
Keep a list of “people we’d love to work with one day.”
Nurture these contacts with casual catch-ups or invites to CPD events.
Occasionally post content like “What it’s like to work here” — even when not hiring.
Need a Hand Putting This Into Action?
Recruiting the right people (and keeping them) doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. If you’d like help developing or implementing a recruitment strategy tailored to your independent practice — from writing standout job ads to streamlining your hiring process — we’re here for you at contactus@vettedrecruitment.co.uk