Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term Veterinary Surgeon position with Avon Lodge Vets, based between the newly refurbished Wells Road practice and the branch in Bishopsworth. The rota includes 40 hours per week, shifts between 8:30am and 7:00pm, a four day week, 1 in 4 Saturday mornings and one weekly sole charge day at the branch practice for consults only.

You will be joining a friendly, experienced small animal team that values collaboration, clinical discussion and continuity of care. The role suits an experienced vet who enjoys a varied first opinion caseload and wants to keep building medical, surgical and diagnostic skills in a supportive setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate, evidence based veterinary care for pets and their owners.
• Manage a varied caseload across preventive healthcare, medical work ups and surgical cases.
• Carry out routine surgical procedures and contribute to high clinical standards.
• Build strong client relationships through clear communication and continuity of care.
• Support and mentor colleagues while contributing to a collaborative practice culture.
• Work one day each week in sole charge at the branch practice, with consults only.

Requirements

• RCVS registration as a Veterinary Surgeon.
• Small animal clinical experience, ideally 2 to 3 years.
• Confidence in consulting, medical case management and routine surgery.
• Strong communication and relationship building skills.
• Good organisation and the ability to manage a varied caseload.
• A proactive approach to learning, clinical reflection and continuing professional development.
• A commitment to evidence based medicine, clinical excellence and collaborative working.

Benefits

• Salary up to £60,000 FTE DOE.
• 6.6 weeks annual leave.
• Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service.
• Enhanced family friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Healthcare Cash Plan.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• £1,250 CPD allowance plus 48 hours paid leave.
• RCVS fees covered.
• VDS fees covered.
• Pension scheme.
• Discounted veterinary care.
• Overnight patient care supported by Vets Now.

About the Practice

Avon Lodge Veterinary Centre is a friendly, experienced small animal practice with sites on Wells Road in Knowle and in Bishopsworth. The company says the Knowle and Bishopsworth sites have been home to a veterinary practice since 1980.

The practice features a newly refurbished Wells Road site, a refurbished branch practice completed in 2023, a dedicated dental suite with dental radiography, Silver Cat Friendly status, DR-Xray, an in-house laboratory, digital x-ray, ultrasound and an operating theatre. The team listed in the advert includes a Head Vet, 3 Veterinary Surgeons, a Head Nurse, 5 RVNs, 1 ANA, a Head Receptionist, 4 receptionists and a Practice Manager.