Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

You’ll be joining Aniwell Veterinary Clinic, a well-respected first-opinion small animal practice serving Bournemouth and Poole for over 20 years. This full-time role (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday with a 1:5 Saturday morning rota 8:30am–12:30pm) offers clinical variety without the pressure of overnight on-call work. You’ll enjoy a healthy mix of consulting and operating days, with the flexibility to tailor your schedule around your clinical interests.

Based primarily at the Kinson branch with optional support at the Alderney site, you’ll work with a mixed caseload of dogs, cats, rabbits, small furries and occasional wildlife cases. The role does include elements of sole charge work, so you’ll need confidence in independent decision-making—but you’ll always have experienced colleagues to collaborate with and well-established referral pathways when you need them.

Bournemouth itself is a real draw: award-winning beaches, vibrant town life, countryside within easy reach via the New Forest and Purbeck, plus excellent transport links to Southampton and London.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver comprehensive small animal consulting and surgical care across a varied patient base (dogs, cats, rabbits, small pets, occasional wildlife)
• Work independently on cases whilst drawing on support from a team of four vets and three RVNs
• Maintain detailed case notes and work through cases thoroughly, utilising established referral relationships with an in-house orthopaedic specialist
• Contribute to the practice’s clinical culture of learning and professional development
• Support community engagement initiatives with local wildlife charities and Cats Protection
• Participate in Saturday morning rota (1 in 5, 8:30am–12:30pm)

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon (RCVS registered)
• Comfortable with sole charge work and independent clinical decision-making
• Experience in small animal practice (preferred but not essential)
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Interest in continuing professional development and supporting certificates (own or team members’)

Benefits

• Financial: Salary up to £75,000 depending on experience; relocation allowance up to £5,000; welcome bonus up to £5,000
• Leave & Flexibility: 6.6 weeks annual leave (including bank holidays); additional day off for your birthday; full-time, part-time and flexible working options available
• Professional Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave; certificate support; access to IVC Evidensia Academy; Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia; research funding opportunities
• Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance; 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme; enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental/surrogacy pay); colleague wellbeing initiatives
• Professional Memberships & Support: BVA membership; VDS cover; RCVS fees paid
• Additional Benefits: Company pension scheme with employer contribution; Cycle to Work scheme; Green Cars Scheme; voluntary benefits package; retail discounts and cashback; discounted treatment for your own pets at IVC Evidensia practices; £1,250 per annum via the Care Fund
• Clinical Support: Access to quality improvement and infection prevention & control programmes

About the Practice

Aniwell Veterinary Clinic operates two branches in Bournemouth and Poole, serving the local community with a strong reputation built over more than 20 years. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, a leading UK veterinary group, bringing access to wider resources and support networks.

The Kinson (Bournemouth) branch is a large, well-appointed surgery on the high street, featuring separate cat and dog waiting areas, three consultation rooms, prep area, theatre, dedicated dental suite with dental X-ray, dedicated X-ray room, and full in-house IDEXX laboratory. Both sites are equipped with digital X-ray and ultrasound; the Bournemouth site also offers therapeutic laser and dental radiography. The practice is Gold Cat-Friendly accredited. The team comprises four vets, three RVNs, two SVNs, and a dedicated client care team supported by a Director of Practice. There’s a strong culture of learning, with one vet currently pursuing a certificate in medicine and enthusiastic support for all professional development. Beyond clinical work, Aniwell is committed to community giving, working closely with local wildlife charities and Cats Protection.