Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

Aniwell is a well-established first-opinion small animal practice with branches in Bournemouth and Poole, celebrating over 20 years of trusted care in the local community. You’ll be joining a confident, collaborative team and becoming part of their next chapter of growth. This full-time role is based primarily at the Kinson branch (Bournemouth), with the flexibility to support the Alderney site in Poole when needed.

You’ll enjoy a healthy balance between consulting and operating days, with the freedom to tailor your work to your clinical interests and strengths. Your caseload will include dogs, cats, rabbits, small furries and the occasional wildlife case—managed thoroughly with well-established referral relationships in place when specialist input is needed. This role does include elements of sole charge work, so you’ll need to be comfortable making independent clinical decisions. Working 40 hours per week across early and late shifts Monday to Friday, you’ll also take part in a straightforward 1:5 Saturday morning rota (8:30am–12:30pm). Importantly, there are no out-of-hours requirements.

Based on the beautiful Dorset coast, Bournemouth offers award-winning beaches, easy access to the New Forest and Purbeck countryside, and a vibrant town atmosphere with excellent transport links to Southampton and London.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver first-opinion small animal clinical care across a varied caseload including small mammals and occasional wildlife cases
• Manage cases from initial consultation through to treatment and follow-up, with the autonomy to work cases thoroughly
• Contribute to consulting and operating days, balancing clinical work across both branches as required
• Work independently when undertaking sole charge shifts, demonstrating confident decision-making
• Collaborate with the multi-disciplinary team of four vets, three RVNs, two SVNs and client care staff
• Engage with the practice’s community outreach, including partnerships with local wildlife charities and Cats Protection
• Participate in the 1:5 Saturday morning rota from 8:30am to 12:30pm

Requirements

• Fully qualified Veterinary Surgeon registered with the RCVS
• Comfortable working independently with sole charge responsibilities
• Experience in first-opinion small animal practice preferred
• Strong clinical decision-making and thorough case management
• Collaborative approach and genuine interest in professional development

Benefits

• Salary & Bonuses: Up to £70,000 depending on experience, relocation allowance up to £5,000, welcome bonus up to £5,000
• Time Off: 6.8 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
• Professional Development: £1,250 annual Care Fund for CPD, funded learning through IVC academy training centres, access to mentors and regional clinical coaches, support to develop clinical interests and pursue certificates (e.g., certificates in medicine)
• Health & Family: Private medical insurance, enhanced family leave and pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy)
• Professional Fees: BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees covered
• Lifestyle Schemes: Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies), retail discounts and cashback offers
• Veterinary Care: Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Career Pathways: Clear progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles

About the Practice

Aniwell Veterinary Clinic was established in August 1995 in response to local demand for a veterinary centre in the Kinson area. The practice expanded in 2004 with the opening of a second branch in Alderney, Poole. Both sites are fully equipped and operate in harmony as a cohesive unit. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, part of Mars Veterinary Health, bringing access to larger-scale resources and development opportunities whilst maintaining the character of a local, community-focused practice.

The Bournemouth branch is a large, well-appointed surgery on the high street featuring a spacious reception with separate cat and dog waiting areas, three consultation rooms, conveniently located dispensary, prep area, theatre, dental suite with dental X-ray, dedicated X-ray room, and full in-house IDEXX laboratory. There’s also a generous staff area with kitchen and admin space, plus nearby parking. Both sites offer digital X-ray and ultrasound; the Bournemouth site additionally provides therapeutic laser and dental radiography. Aniwell is proud to be a Gold Cat-Friendly Clinic. The team includes four vets, three RVNs, two SVNs, a dedicated client care team, and a Director of Practice, with access to a visiting orthopaedic specialist when required. The culture is built on teamwork, genuine support, and a real passion for learning and community engagement.