Mixed Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

You’ll be joining a long-established, proudly independent mixed practice with 15 vets across a main surgical hub in Neath and three small animal branch surgeries in surrounding towns. This is a genuine mixed caseload role—you’ll move fluidly between small animal consulting and surgery at the main centre, and farm work across the stunning foothills and valleys within 15 miles of the practice. The working pattern is typically 9am–6pm, four days per week, with a 1pm finish on the day after your on-call shift. With a 1-in-4 weekend rota (Friday/Saturday/Sunday, either first or second on-call) plus four nights on-call per 8-week block (Monday–Thursday), the out-of-hours commitment is shared fairly across the team.

This is a practice with genuine depth: you’ll work alongside vets at all experience levels, from new graduates to seasoned practitioners, all collaborating in a supportive culture where complex cases are discussed and mentored. The team plays to their individual strengths—some lean more small animal, others more farm—and the working schedule reflects that flexibility. You’re 40 minutes from Cardiff, on the direct train line, and surrounded by beautiful sites including Gnoll Park, Aberavon, and Margam Park.

The practice runs its own out-of-hours service for registered clients with 24-hour on-site nursing care and telephone triage, setting them apart from local competitors. This is independent practice done well—no corporate overlords, just solid standards and genuine career development.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver mixed veterinary care across both small animal and farm sectors, with approximately 200 longstanding family-run beef and sheep units (plus a handful of dairy clients)
• Manage small animal consultations, diagnostics, and surgery at the main surgical hub in Neath; staffing branch surgeries with consulting-only work
• Conduct farm visits across the local hills and valleys, working with approachable, productivity-focused clients keen to improve their herds
• Contribute to out-of-hours on-call duties on a shared 1-in-4 rota, including telephone triage and emergency care
• Work collaboratively with a 15-vet team, supporting junior vets, discussing complex cases with senior clinicians, and sharing knowledge across the practice
• Utilise a well-equipped practice featuring digital X-ray, ultrasound, ECG, in-house lab (small animal side) and portable scanners, EEJ for rams and bulls, and FEC testing (farm side)
• Engage with the nursing team—an integral part of the practice with RCVS accreditation for nurse training—to support clinical delivery and professional development

Requirements

• Registered veterinary surgeon with experience in mixed veterinary practice
• Demonstrated competence and confidence working with both small animal and farm animal cases
• Ability to manage independent farm visits and sole decision-making in a rural setting
• Strong communication skills with both pet owners and farming clients
• Team player with mentoring ability and willingness to support junior vets
• Commitment to professional development and continuing education

Benefits

• Salary: £49,000–£59,000 per year, depending on experience
• Annual leave: 6 weeks (25 days total) plus bank holidays; day in lieu if worked
• Professional memberships: RCVS and VDS covered, plus one vet membership (BCVA, BVA, SVS, or BSAVA)
• CPD funding: Generous budget with certificates actively encouraged and funded
• Employee discount: Generous staff discount scheme
• Annual salary review
• Work-life balance: Tea breaks and lunchtimes honoured; regular team social events and celebrations

About the Practice

Afon Vets is an independent, thriving mixed practice based in Neath, South Wales, with a main surgical hub and three small animal branch surgeries across the local area. The practice serves approximately 200 farm clients (primarily family-run beef and sheep units within 15 miles) alongside a busy small animal business. Established with longevity and stability at its core, the practice is an XL member but fiercely independent, refusing corporate ownership structures that compromise clinical autonomy and team culture.

The 15-vet team spans all experience levels and plays to individual strengths. The practice has invested in modern facilities—digital imaging, in-house diagnostics, portable farm scanners—and maintains a strong nursing contingent, including RCVS-accredited nurse training status. The practice operates its own out-of-hours service with 24-hour on-site nursing care and telephone triage. Staff culture emphasises genuine work-life balance: tea breaks are protected, social events are frequent, and professional development is actively funded. Many team members have pursued postgraduate certificates in areas ranging from ophthalmology to farm animal medicine, with the practice’s support.