Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

You’ll join Calder Vets as a Veterinary Surgeon across their well-equipped Penistone and Denby Dale practices, enjoying a genuine balance of consultations and surgery with a loyal, long-standing client base. This is a 40-hour week spread over 4 days, with a 1:4 daytime-only weekend rota—no overnight shifts, as emergency care is managed by the dedicated 24-hour team at their Dewsbury hospital. You’ll develop your skills in a supportive, progressive environment that actively encourages certificate training in areas like surgery, medicine, dermatology, and dentistry.

Located near the Pennines, Penistone offers a strong sense of community with easy access to both urban amenities and countryside living. You’ll have access to exceptional clinical facilities across the group, including CT scanning, digital imaging, hydrotherapy, and a state-of-the-art dental suite, plus close links to Paragon Veterinary Referrals for complex cases.

The team is passionate about clinical excellence, client care, and teamwork. They’re accredited as a Cat Friendly Clinic group (with sites ranging from Silver to Gold status) and hold Investors in Environment accreditation—reflecting their commitment to both animal welfare and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver first-opinion consultations and surgical procedures across our sites, primarily Penistone and Denby Dale
• Work collaboratively with a skilled nursing team and wider group of practices to deliver high-quality patient care
• Contribute to engaging case discussions and clinical decision-making in a supportive team environment
• Participate in weekend daytime rotas on a 1:4 rotation (no overnight responsibilities)
• Develop clinical expertise through mentorship and encouraged certificate training in specialist areas
• Support the practice’s commitment to clinical excellence and Cat Friendly standards

Requirements

• Veterinary degree registrable in the UK, enabling full MRCVS status
• Highly experienced and confident across all areas of first-opinion small animal practice
• Excellent communication skills with clients and colleagues
• Strong team ethos with a can-do attitude, determination, and positivity
• Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development

Benefits

• Salary: Up to £60,000 per annum (depending on experience), plus £2,000 welcome bonus
• Time Off: 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and birthday leave
• Professional Support: RCVS and VDS fees paid; extensive internal and funded external CPD; certificate support and funding for specialist development
• Financial Security: Employer contribution pension scheme; life assurance
• Work-Life Balance: 40 hours over 4 days; daytime-only weekend rotas (1:4); no overnight out-of-hours responsibility
• Wellbeing & Perks: Generous staff discount scheme; enhanced equal family leave; e-car salary sacrifice scheme; relocation support
• Additional: Access to group-wide specialist network and worldwide development opportunities through Linnaeus

About the Practice

Calder Vets operates two well-established small animal practices in Penistone and Denby Dale, supported by a modern hospital base in Dewsbury. The team includes vets and nurses with diverse clinical interests—from dermatology to dentistry—and maintains a long-standing, loyal client base. The practice is accredited as a Cat Friendly Clinic and holds Investors in Environment Silver status for 2025.

Calder Vets is part of Linnaeus, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world and a company of Mars Veterinary Health. Linnaeus operates over 6,000 associates across a network of practices, with access to specialist referral hospitals including Paragon Veterinary Referrals nearby. Being privately owned, the group prioritises long-term sustainability and genuine investment in staff wellbeing, professional development, and clinical excellence over short-term profit.