Small Animal or Mixed Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

You’ll be joining a thriving, family-run mixed practice serving the Isle of Bute and Cowal Peninsula, with modern facilities and a genuine commitment to keeping vets happy. If you’re drawn to varied caseloads, beautiful surroundings, and a team that walks the walk on flexibility, this could be exactly what you’re looking for.

At Bute & Cowal Vets, you’ll work with an interesting mix of cases—approximately 80% small animal and 20% large animal at the Dunoon surgery (or primarily small animal with some equine work if based at the Rothesay branch on the Isle of Bute). Out-of-hours work is shared across the team on a relaxed 1:4 weekend rota plus one weeknight per week, with an answering service handling triage so you’ll only see cases that genuinely need attention. The practice closes at 5 pm during the week and doesn’t run routine weekend consultations, so your free time is genuinely yours.

This is ideally a full-time role, though part-time and flexible working arrangements are very much on the table for the right person. There’s also the possibility of progressing to a directorship or buying into the practice if that interests you.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide small animal and/or mixed clinical care across two modern practice locations (Dunoon and Rothesay)
• Conduct consulting sessions and undertake surgical procedures, with a typical operating shift including admits and procedures until 1 pm, lunch closure, then evening consults from 3:30–5 pm
• Participate in daily morning rounds with the team to plan the day and adjust schedules flexibly as needed
• Deliver out-of-hours emergency care on a shared 1:4 weekend rota plus one weeknight per week, with on-call RVN support
• Manage a diverse caseload including companion animals (dogs, cats, rabbits, small mammals, birds), horses, donkeys, and occasionally wildlife
• Contribute to the practice’s own 24/7 emergency service, allowing you to provide continuity of care for local clients

Requirements

• Completed VetGDP (veterinary foundation training)
• MRCVS registration
• Experience in small animal and/or mixed practice
• A genuine interest in continuing professional development

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £45,000–£60,000 per year, plus 50% of OOH call-out fees
• Holidays that increase with length of service
• CPD encouraged, with course certificates supported
• Professional fees paid: RCVS, Veterinary Defence Society, and BVA membership
• Practice membership for Webinar Vet
• Travel costs between practice locations covered
• Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family
• Work-life balance: 5 pm finish times and no routine weekend consultations
• Possibility of directorship or practice ownership

About the Practice

Bute & Cowal Vets has grown from a single practice established in 1979 into a respected, independent mixed veterinary service spanning the Isle of Bute and Cowal Peninsula. The practice was formed in 2008 when the founders expanded to open a second branch in Dunoon, and it won the Petplan Veterinary Practice of the Year award in 2015. In January 2022, the Dunoon surgery relocated to brand-new, modern premises. The team includes six vets (five full-time, with a mix of full and part-time arrangements), each bringing distinct clinical interests—from marine mammal work and aquaculture to traditional mixed-practice variety.

The practice runs its own 24/7 emergency service across both locations, believing local emergency provision is vital for clients and their animals. It’s an RCVS-approved nurse training practice with a strong nursing and support team (2 RVNs, 2 ACAs, a trainee ACA, plus reception, admin, and domestic staff). Equipment includes digital X-ray, ultrasound (with upgrades underway), and the team recently introduced PetsApp for seamless client communication.

About the Area

Dunoon and the Isle of Bute sit on Scotland’s stunning west coast, with scenery ranging from sandy beaches to rolling hills and heather moorland. It’s a wildlife hotspot—golden eagles, red deer, otters, seals, puffins—and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy walking, cycling, sailing, water sports, and boat trips for dolphin and whale watching. The Isle of Bute was named The Sunday Times’ Best Place to Live in Scotland in 2022. It’s family-friendly with excellent schools, and Dunoon is just 90 minutes from Glasgow. The local community spirit is strong, and you’ll be welcomed into teams like the practice’s pub quiz crew, ‘The Gannets.’