Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a 12-month fixed-term contract (maternity cover) based across Calweton Veterinary Group’s three small animal branches in Callington, Saltash, and Looe. You’ll work full-time on a 4.5-day week including Fridays, with participation in Saturday rotas and occasional out-of-hours in-patient care. The role offers a perfect blend of medical and surgical small animal cases, supported by excellent relationships with local referral practices for more complex work.

Located in Devon and Cornwall, you’ll find yourself in one of the UK’s most desirable locations—close to Plymouth’s vibrant culture and attractions, yet surrounded by stunning beaches, coastal walks, Dartmoor National Park, and endless countryside. This is a genuine opportunity to work somewhere beautiful while being part of something special.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver outstanding small animal veterinary care across medical and surgical cases
• Provide excellent client service and communication with pet owners
• Work collaboratively within a team of 9 vets (mix of part-time and full-time, many with certificates)
• Participate in Saturday rotas and occasional out-of-hours in-patient care
• Contribute to the practice’s supportive team ethos and weekly team meetings
• Work across multiple branches as needed (Callington, Saltash, Looe)

Requirements

• RCVS registered veterinary surgeon qualified in small animal medicine and surgery
• Confidence delivering high-quality patient care with genuine passion for veterinary medicine
• Strong people skills and genuine team player mentality
• Excellent communication abilities with both clients and colleagues
• Ability to embrace challenges and rise to them proactively
• Must be available from approximately mid-April 2026

Benefits

• Salary: £45,000–£55,000 per annum depending on experience
• 6.6 weeks paid holiday including bank holidays
• £1,750 CPD allowance per annum with generous time off for certificates and special interests
• Health Shield—comprehensive contributions covering dentistry, sports massage, and other wellbeing treatments
• RCVS membership paid plus two additional professional memberships
• VDS professional indemnity cover included
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave, and surrogacy pay
• Discounted veterinary fees for personal pets
• My Perks—exclusive offers, discounts, and cashback on shopping, travel, and entertainment
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Company sick pay
• Annual pay reviews
• Access to VetPartners Learning Hub and specialist support network
• Focus on employee wellbeing and career progression opportunities

About the Practice

Calweton Veterinary Group is a large, RCVS-accredited practice with over 65 years’ experience providing outstanding care for pets and farm species across Devon and Cornwall. This specific role focuses on the Small Animal side of the business. The group operates three small animal branches and two farm branches, working up medical and surgical cases with strong referral relationships with local specialists.

The practice is known for its supportive and collaborative culture, with a team philosophy that values everyone’s contribution. As a proud member of the VetPartners family, you’ll benefit from access to a wider network of specialists, learning resources, and a progressive work environment. The practice was recently awarded Employer of the Year and is genuinely committed to staff wellbeing and work-life balance.