Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

You’ll be joining Beech House Vets, a well-established practice that has served Southampton for over 50 years and continues to evolve as a trusted cornerstone of the local community. This is a full-time position working 40 hours across four days, with structured time for both clinical work and mentorship. The role features one dedicated surgical day, with the remaining time focused primarily on consultations—creating a rhythm that balances variety with predictability. There’s no out-of-hours or on-call work, though you’ll participate in a one in four Saturday morning rota (8:15am to 12:15pm).

Your caseload will centre on cats and dogs, with occasional rabbits and small furries. While routine surgeries form the backbone of your week, the presence of Vets Now on site means exposure to more complex cases and excellent continuity of care. You’ll work from a spacious, light-filled converted house with six consultation rooms, dedicated RVN space, and a large prep and theatre area—all equipped with modern technology including piped Isoflo anaesthesia, digital X-ray, ultrasound, ECG capability, air-driven dental equipment, and an in-house laboratory.

There are elements of sole charge within this role, making it ideal for a confident, experienced vet who values autonomy. You’ll also play a significant role in supporting and developing newly qualified vets, sharing your expertise while maintaining high clinical standards across the practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver primary care consultations and routine surgical procedures across a largely small animal caseload
• Manage clinical decision-making with periods of sole charge responsibility
• Mentor and support newly qualified vets, contributing to their professional development
• Work collaboratively with a team of five RVNs and two SVNs to maintain clinical excellence
• Utilise in-house diagnostic facilities including laboratory, X-ray, and ultrasound capabilities
• Engage with case complexity and continuity through on-site Vets Now collaboration
• Contribute to maintaining high standards across the practice while supporting further professional qualifications

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon with relevant UK experience
• Confidence and competence to work with periods of sole charge
• Strong clinical knowledge in small animal medicine and routine surgery
• Ability to mentor and support less experienced colleagues
• Excellent communication skills and collaborative approach to practice management

Benefits

• Salary & Relocation: Up to £70,000 depending on experience, plus relocation allowance up to £5,000
• Time Off: 6.6 weeks annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), plus additional holiday on your birthday
• Professional Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave, certificate support, access to IVC Evidensia Academy and Vetlexicon, research funding opportunities, and £1,250 per annum via the Care Fund
• Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental/surrogacy pay), wellbeing initiatives, and Infection Prevention & Control Programme
• Professional Support: BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Workplace Perks: Company pension scheme with employer contribution, Cycle to Work scheme, Green Cars Scheme (subject to eligibility), voluntary benefits, access to retail discounts and cashback, discounted treatment for your own pets at IVC Evidensia practices
• Quality Initiatives: Quality Improvement Programme and structured support for continuous professional development

About the Practice

Beech House Vets is a long-established small animal practice located in Bitterne, Southampton, operating from a characterful converted house. The practice has served the local community with distinction for over 50 years and remains committed to clinical excellence and staff development. The team comprises six vets (including specialists working towards diagnostic imaging and small animal surgery certificates), five RVNs, two SVNs, and a dedicated client care team.

Located in Southampton—a city offering excellent quality of life with direct transport links to London, easy access to the New Forest and South Downs, coastal walks, and abundant green spaces—the practice provides an ideal balance of professional opportunity and lifestyle appeal. The facility includes isolation capabilities, separate cat and dog wards, a quiet office space for admin, comfortable staff room, on-site parking, and a fully equipped laboratory capable of full biochemistry and haematology.