Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

This permanent position offers a varied and rewarding small animal caseload in a forward-thinking practice that genuinely values clinical freedom. You’ll work everything from routine procedures to complex medical and surgical cases—pyometras, lump removals, GI foreign bodies, and dentistry—with no two days the same. The practice also runs a dedicated cat clinic in partnership with Cats Protection, adding genuine variety to your week.

Located on the outskirts of Dundee with easy access to Perth, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, Arbroath itself offers a fantastic coastal lifestyle with beautiful beaches, cliff walks, and a vibrant community feel. Dundee’s recent regeneration has created a thriving cultural hub with the V&A Museum, waterfront, and excellent dining scene—plus you’re within reach of the Angus Glens and Cairngorms for weekend adventures. This is a role that balances career progression with an exceptional quality of life.

With no out-of-hours requirements, this daytime-only position runs 40 hours per week across 4 or 5 days depending on your preference, with Saturday mornings shared fairly on a rota. The practice is genuinely flexible and open to part-time or flexible working arrangements tailored around the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard primary care across a diverse small animal caseload, from routine to complex surgical and medical cases
• Collaborate with an experienced nursing team of 5 RVNs who deliver nurse-led clinics and provide hands-on patient support
• Contribute to the dedicated cat clinic run in partnership with Cats Protection
• Develop clinical interests with practice investment in relevant certificates, new services, and equipment
• Support less experienced colleagues and mentor where you choose to take on that responsibility
• Work across both Arbroath and Forfar branches as needed

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon registered with the RCVS
• Experience in primary care small animal practice
• Confident clinician ready to take the next step in your career
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and mentor colleagues (experience desirable but not essential)

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £65,000 DOE with welcome bonus up to £5,000 and relocation allowance up to £5,000
• 6.8 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy)
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Funded learning and development through IVC Academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• Clear career pathways across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles

About the Practice

Abbey Veterinary Clinic is an established two-site practice with branches in Arbroath and Forfar, serving the local community with modern, high-standard facilities. Both locations are equipped with digital radiography, iM3 dental machines, IDEXX in-house laboratory equipment, and (recently at the Arbroath branch) a dental x-ray machine—reflecting a genuine commitment to continuous investment and clinical excellence.

The team of 4 experienced vets and 5 skilled RVNs creates a collaborative, supportive culture where knowledge sharing and professional development are actively encouraged. The practice prides itself on being genuinely welcoming and values collaboration, creating an environment where everyone can thrive. As part of IVC Evidensia, the practice benefits from broader support networks whilst maintaining its own identity and local focus.