Stuck in a job he no longer enjoys, Nick is a country vet who shouldn't be a vet. A dislike of most animals - and particular terror of guinea pigs - not to mention poor interpersonal skills and a tendency to chat up and then alienate the young female owners of his patients, mean it's a profession to which he isn't exactly suited.

The only thing keeping him remotely within the realms of sanity is the ever-tolerant manager-cum-receptionist of Smallridge Veterinary Practice, Kirsten.

Nick's fellow vets in the practice are the strait-laced, characterless Briony; and the wet and slightly boring Andrew. There's also the charming but slightly weird young veterinary nurse, Jade.