We are looking for an experienced mixed vet in our long established, proudly independent, mixed 15 vet practice in South Wales to join the Afon Vets family team.
We hope the following gives you a flavour of who we are and what we’re about. If you’d like to have a chat or get more information about this opportunity, please feel free to give us a call on 01639 642739 and ask to speak to Cath, Gareth, or Richard, our practice directors. We’d be happy to take things forward from there.
About Us
Afon Vets is a thriving, proudly independent mixed practice based in Neath, South Wales, and a longstanding member of XLVets. The practice comprises a team of 15 veterinary surgeons and operates from a central hub in Neath, supported by three small animal branch surgeries in nearby towns.
The practice area stretches from the foothills of the Brecon Beacons to the scenic local coastline, with excellent transport links including a direct train line and just 40 minutes from Cardiff.
The farm client base includes approximately 200 family-run beef and sheep units, with a small number of dairy farms. Many of these clients have been with the practice for generations and are located within a 15-mile radius of Neath. The small animal caseload is busy and well-established, with surgical procedures carried out at the main centre and consultations at the branch surgeries.
Afon Vets provides its own out-of-hours service for registered clients and offers 24-hour on-site nursing care. Calls are answered and triaged by the duty nurse, ensuring continuity of care.
The veterinary team is a mix of experience levels, from recent graduates to seasoned practitioners. Several team members hold postgraduate certificates, and the practice actively supports ongoing professional development. Clinicians work to their strengths, with mixed and small animal roles reflected in daily schedules and team communications.
The practice is well-equipped with modern facilities. Small animal services include digital radiography, ultrasound, ECG, and an in-house laboratory. Farm services feature portable scanners, electro-ejaculators for rams and bulls, faecal egg count testing, and on-site treatment facilities for small ruminants.
The nursing team plays a vital role, offering strong support to the vets, running nurse clinics, and contributing to the practice’s status as an RCVS-accredited nurse training centre.
Testimonial from Selina
I joined Afon as a young vet following two years at a rural, predominantly large-animal practice. I felt my learning had plateaued quite quickly and was keen to gain more small animal experience within a larger team that offered strong support. My plan was to build up my skills in internal medicine and surgery, then move to Scandinavia in search of a better work/life balance. Fast forward eight years, and I’m still here at Afon thanks to the fantastic team and the interesting cases we see! My experience developed rapidly due to the varied caseload, and I honestly can’t imagine working anywhere else now.
The practice has supported my interest in small animal ophthalmology by funding a postgraduate certificate. I’m now also heavily involved with the farm team and really enjoy mentoring younger vets and watching them thrive within our practice.
Most of our farmers are longstanding clients, approachable and keen to improve productivity on their farms. Many are located within a short drive of the practice, in beautiful areas where you can stop and enjoy your lunch. We regularly host summer farm meetings and produce newsletters for our clients.
Cases are worked up to a high standard, with plenty of senior vets available to assist with more complex cases. As an independent practice, we continue to offer out-of-hours care to our clients, something that is greatly appreciated and sets us apart from other local practices. Tea breaks and lunchtimes are respected, and there’s always cake or biscuits to enjoy with your brew!
We’re lucky to be based in a stunning area, with places like Gnoll Park, Aberavon Beach, Margam Park, and plenty of lovely eateries right on our doorstep. The team works hard but enjoys celebrating just as much, there’s always something being organised, whether it’s a day out or an evening get-together.
I feel privileged to be doing a job I love, at a practice I genuinely enjoy working in. How many people can honestly say that these days? After graduating, I worried I’d have to choose between small and large animal practice, but not at Afon. So, if you enjoy variety in your work, come and visit us, we’ll show you what high standards look like in a truly mixed practice setting.
The Job
- Salary: £49,000 – £59,000, depending on experience
- Working hours: Typically 9am to 6pm, four days per week, with a 1pm finish following a night on call
- Out-of-hours rota: 1 in 4 weekends (Friday/Saturday/Sunday – first or second on call), plus 4 weekday nights on call within an 8-week rota
- Professional fees: RCVS and VDS covered, plus one additional membership (e.g. BCVA, BVA, SVS, BSAVA)
- Annual leave: 6 weeks (25 days total) plus bank holidays (day in lieu if worked)
- CPD: Generous budget with certificates encouraged and funded
- Staff benefits: Generous employee discount
- Review: Annual salary review
If you think this job could be the next step in your veterinary career then please give us a call on 01639642739 or you can email us at admin@afonvets.com