Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

You’ll be joining Bramble and Bear as their fifth vet, just as the practice reaches an exciting milestone with the opening of a dedicated Hospital and Rehab Centre. This is a permanent, full-time position working a 4-day week (8:30am–6:30pm), with a healthy mix of consultations and surgical time. With a manageable 1-in-4 weekend and one weeknight on-call rota (moving to zero on-call once the hospital’s dedicated night team launches this autumn), you’ll have genuine time to breathe outside work.

The practice is nestled in the beautiful Staffordshire Moorlands near Leek, offering a peaceful farm setting with easy access to excellent walking, cycling, and outdoor activities—plus you’re just an hour from Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham, and Alton Towers is only 20 minutes away.

You’ll be supported by Hannah and Matt, both experienced vets with specialist interests in internal medicine, ECC, cardiology, and soft-tissue surgery. They actively mentor junior colleagues and foster an environment where you’re encouraged to pursue your own interests and certificates. Regular visits from an orthopaedic surgeon mean fracture repairs and cruciate surgeries happen in-house. A strong nursing team—led by Head RVN Anna with three additional RVNs and a student nurse—backs up every case.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine surgical procedures with support available as you build confidence in complex cases
• Conduct consultations with clients and diagnose small animal patients
• Contribute to the varied caseload across the practice, including emergency and critical care cases
• Participate in the shared 1-in-4 weekend on-call rota (moving to home-based only, with attendance only if inpatients require it)
• Engage in one weeknight on-call shift per rota cycle (until hospital night team is operational)
• Support the practice’s Fear-Free philosophy and commitment to affordable, transparent pricing
• Work alongside the nursing team and orthopaedic visiting surgeon to deliver gold-standard care
• Pursue certificates or specialist interests with the full support and funding of the practice

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (MRCVS)
• Some experience in small animal practice and confidence performing routine surgical procedures
• Willingness to develop surgical skills in a supportive environment
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to the Stoke-on-Trent location

Benefits

• Salary: £40,000–£80,000 depending on experience
• Holiday: 5.6 weeks annually, including bank holidays
• CPD: Uncapped budget with certificates actively supported and funded
• Professional Fees: RCVS, VDS, and BVA/BSAVA covered by the practice
• Healthcare: Bupa private healthcare
• Work Pattern: 4-day week (8:30am–6:30pm)
• Team Culture: Social events including pub trips, outdoor activities with team dogs, and an annual Christmas party
• Mentorship: Close support from experienced vets who actively encourage professional development

About the Practice

Bramble and Bear was founded just over three years ago by experienced vets Dr Hannah Brooks and Dr Matt Bayliss, who wanted to create a forward-thinking practice reflecting their shared values: compassionate care, transparent pricing, and a workplace where the team genuinely enjoys coming to work. The practice began as a mobile surgical unit and has grown into a thriving hub in the Staffordshire Moorlands, now serving an expanding client base with free consultations and fixed-cost surgery.

This autumn, the practice is transforming an on-site cowshed into a state-of-the-art Hospital and Rehab Centre featuring two fully equipped theatres, a dedicated dental suite, DR X-ray and ultrasound imaging, separate cat and dog wards (Fear-Free accredited), and an advanced rehabilitation facility with underwater treadmill and hydrotherapy. Once operational, the hospital will enable 24/7 on-site care and eliminate on-call duties for the wider team. The practice employs five vets, four nurses, and support staff, and is an accredited nurse training practice.