Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

You’ll be joining a collaborative, stable team at an independently-run small animal practice that’s earned multiple awards for its culture and clinical excellence. This isn’t a high-pressure hustle; it’s a role where you’ll work 3 days per week (with flexibility for 2 or 4-day arrangements), enjoy structured consulting blocks with 15-minute appointments, and have a balanced mix of operating and consulting days. No out-of-hours cover, no on-call, no Sundays—just genuine work-life balance alongside a varied caseload that gives you scope for thorough case work-ups and the freedom to explore clinical interests you care about.

The practice sits in South Staffordshire near beautiful countryside including Cannock Chase, making it easy to switch off after work and enjoy the outdoors. You’ll be working with 7 vets including certificate holders in surgery, dentistry, and feline practice, plus an Advanced Practitioner in small animal medicine, supported by 12 experienced RVNs with additional qualifications in ECC, feline nursing, nutrition, and behaviour.

The team has invested significantly in facilities and equipment—including laparoscopic surgery (used for around 80% of routine spays), a new dental suite with dental X-ray, and excellent diagnostic capabilities. The practice holds RCVS accreditation with Outstanding awards, ISFM Gold Cat Friendly Clinic status, and accredited Dog-Friendly Clinic recognition.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard small animal clinical care across a varied caseload, including medical work-ups, surgical procedures, and dental cases
• Work within a collaborative team structure where you’re trusted to take ownership of cases while knowing support is always available
• Contribute to the practice’s commitment to continuous improvement and high clinical standards
• Engage with the team’s open communication culture, sharing ideas and contributing to practice development
• Support professional development within the team through knowledge-sharing and mentorship where appropriate

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon with completed VetGDP
• Experience working in small animal practice
• Commitment to high clinical standards and professional development
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Valuing workplace culture and positive team dynamics

Benefits

• Salary: £48,000–£65,000 FTE (pro rata depending on experience)
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays
• Additional day off for your birthday
• CPD fully encouraged and funded—no set limits, certificates fully supported
• BUPA private health insurance
• Vet health and wellbeing support package
• Enhanced sick pay
• Excellent clinical facilities and equipment including laparoscopic surgery and dental suite
• No out-of-hours or on-call commitments; no Sunday working
• 1 in 7 Saturdays (8:30–2:30 only)
• Access to a supportive, award-winning team environment

About the Practice

387 Veterinary Centre & The West Midlands Cat Clinic is an independently-run small animal practice in Great Wyrley, South Staffordshire, serving the local community since 2007. The practice has grown organically with intentional investment in both people and facilities. In 2021, they opened a purpose-built, feline-only clinic connected to the main practice, reflecting the team’s passion for cat medicine and commitment to patient experience. The team has consistently demonstrated excellence: Investors in People Platinum accreditation holder since 2013 (the first veterinary practice in the UK to achieve top-standard status in 2016), shortlisted twice for Investors in People UK Employer of the Year, winner of the inaugural SPVS Wellbeing Award, and 2025 winner of the BVA Wellbeing Award for large practices.

The practice actively invests in staff development, facilities, and team wellbeing. Recent expansions in 2024–2025 included a new sterile theatre, dental suite with digital imaging, and improved staff facilities including a roof terrace. The practice champions sustainability through a team-led environmental group and community engagement through charity partnerships and local health events.