Veterinary Surgeon

Job Description

Introduction

Our Client’s hospital is a progressive, independently run small animal practice delivering exceptional clinical care while placing genuine emphasis on team wellbeing. Operating across two well-equipped sites, the practice combines hospital-level facilities with a supportive, collaborative culture focused on long-term career development.

Working Hours / Rota

This is a full-time position based on a four-day working week with a structured rota designed to support work–life balance. Shift patterns rotate and include early shifts from 7:00am to 4:00pm, standard daytime shifts from 8:30am to 5:30pm, and late shifts from 10:00am to 7:00pm. Weekends are worked on a 1:5 rota, consisting of Saturday morning clinics followed by emergency cover. The practice provides its own out-of-hours service exclusively for its clients, with night duties worked as a 7-night block on a 1:9 rota. Each night block is followed by a full 7-day recovery period, with RVN support overnight and senior veterinary backup available at all times.

Role Description

This is a first-opinion small animal role involving a varied caseload of consultations, diagnostics, and surgery. The position offers strong clinical autonomy balanced with excellent senior support. Vets are encouraged to develop special interests, pursue certificates, and contribute to mentoring and teaching within the team. The role also includes involvement in inpatient care, emergency cases, and collaborative case discussions to maintain outstanding clinical standards.

Team Size

The team consists of approximately 60 staff members, including experienced veterinary surgeons, RVNs, student nurses, management, and dedicated support teams. The practice promotes a collaborative, inclusive environment with strong mentoring at all levels.

Practice Details

The practice operates across two well-equipped sites, including a fully accredited RCVS Small Animal Hospital and an RCVS-accredited General Practice. Facilities are purpose-built and designed to support high clinical standards, with multiple sterile theatres, dedicated dental suites, advanced diagnostic imaging, and comprehensive in-house laboratory capabilities. The practice includes separate dog and cat wards, isolation facilities, and spacious prep and recovery areas. It is recognised for outstanding practice design and provides referral services in areas such as surgery, dermatology, and regenerative medicine, allowing clinicians exposure to a broad and interesting caseload.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be an RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon with solid experience in UK first-opinion practice, confident in both medical and surgical cases. They will demonstrate strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and a genuine commitment to delivering high-quality patient care and client service. The role would suit a vet who is enthusiastic, adaptable, and keen to continue developing clinically, whether through further CPD, certificate study, or mentoring opportunities. Comfort with rota-based work, including weekends and out-of-hours duties, is essential, along with a positive and supportive approach to teamwork.

Medical Equipment

The practice is exceptionally well equipped with a comprehensive range of modern diagnostic and surgical equipment to support advanced clinical care. This includes a GE CT scanner supported by IMV, Karl Storz endoscopy systems, in-house laboratory analysers by IDEXX, DR and CR X-ray systems supported by IMV, IM3 dental X-ray units at both locations, and GE Vivid ultrasound machines alongside additional portable units. Surgical capabilities are enhanced with TPLO, TTA, intra-articular kits, and a Kyon total hip replacement system. Additional equipment includes PACS imaging systems, first-class anaesthetic monitoring, infusion pumps, mobile blood pressure monitors, Humphrey ADE anaesthetic circuits throughout the practice, and a tonometer, ensuring clinicians have access to high-quality tools across all areas of practice.

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