Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

You’ll be joining a well-established small animal practice that’s been a cornerstone of the Hemel Hempstead community for over 50 years. This position offers genuine work-life balance: full-time hours across four 10-hour days (8am–7pm) plus 1 in 4 Saturday mornings working sole charge (8am–1pm). There are no out-of-hours duties, no Sunday shifts, and no bank holiday calls—Vets Now handles all emergency cover on-site, so you can actually switch off.

The role combines a satisfying mix of surgery and consultations with a varied caseload including dogs, cats, rabbits, and small furries. You’ll perform routine procedures like neutering and lump removals alongside dentals, complex soft tissue work, and emergency cases. If you hold—or are working towards—orthopaedic or soft tissue certificates, your experience will be particularly valued here. The practice keeps as much work in-house as possible and brings in visiting specialists when needed, so you’re never operating in isolation.

Hemel Hempstead itself is a vibrant Hertfordshire town nestled among rolling countryside near the Chiltern Hills, perfect for walking and cycling enthusiasts. It’s well-connected to London (under 30 minutes by train) yet offers a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of leisure facilities including gyms, swimming pools, and The Snow Centre.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide primary care consultations and clinical assessments across the small animal caseload
• Perform routine surgical procedures including neutering, lump removals, and dentals
• Undertake more complex soft tissue and orthopaedic surgeries (particularly if you have relevant experience)
• Manage emergency and critical care cases as they arise
• Work sole charge during assigned Saturday morning sessions (8am–1pm)
• Collaborate with the practice’s team of three vets, five RVNs, two SVNs, and specialist-qualified colleagues
• Support the nursing team and contribute to a culture of high standards and teamwork

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon with registration to practise in the UK
• Confidence and experience in primary small animal practice
• Strong surgical and clinical skills with a varied caseload
• Ability to work sole charge during assigned sessions
• A collaborative approach and commitment to teamwork
• Experience or strong interest in orthopaedic or soft tissue work (desirable but not essential)

Benefits

• Competitive Salary: Up to £70,000 depending on experience
• Joining Incentives: Relocation allowance up to £5,000 and welcome bonus up to £5,000
• Time Off: 6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays, plus your birthday off
• Professional Development: £1,250 CPD allowance plus 40 hours paid CPD; £1,250 annual Care Fund; certificate and advanced learning support; access to Vetlexicon online resources and IVC Evidensia Training Centres
• Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance; enhanced family-friendly leave and pay; 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional Fees: BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Additional Perks: Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies); retail discounts and cashback offers; reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets

About the Practice

Barton Lodge Veterinary Centre has been serving Hemel Hempstead for over 50 years, built on a reputation for compassion, high standards, and genuine client relationships. The practice is part of the IVC Evidensia group and has invested in modern refurbishments to create a bright, welcoming environment. Facilities include a dedicated operating theatre, three consulting rooms (including a nurse consult room), large prep area, separate dog and cat wards, isolation kennels, imaging and dental suite with digital X-ray, dispensary, and well-stocked staff kitchen and lounge.

The clinical team comprises three vets, five RVNs, two SVNs, two receptionists, and a practice manager. Notable expertise includes an AVP certificate holder in Small Animal Medicine and colleagues with GP Certs in Feline Medicine and Small Animal Medicine. The nursing team is led by a Head Nurse with nearly 30 years’ service and runs their own nurse clinics. The practice actively supports animal welfare charities including the local RSPCA, Cats Protection, and Dogs Trust, and works with StreetVet as part of the IVC Evidensia family’s commitment to community care.