Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join Cedar Grove Veterinary Clinic, a purpose-built small animal hospital in South Belfast that combines high-quality first-opinion care with an expanding referral caseload. You'll work full-time or part-time on a flexible rota tailored to your lifestyle, with a base of 4 days per week (variable hours) and a shared 1:6 weekend rota, backed by VetsNow for out-of-hours cover.

You'll manage a diverse caseload including soft tissue surgery, orthopaedics with TPLO, spinal surgery, neurology, ophthalmology, dentistry, dermatology, complex fractures, chemotherapy, blood transfusions, endoscopy, and internal medicine. With CT and MRI on-site, you'll develop advanced diagnostic and surgical skills. If orthopaedics or neurology interest you, there's real scope to grow those specialisms within a supportive referral structure.

Located in South Belfast's vibrant Botanic area, near the gardens, museums, cafés and boutiques, the practice sits just 30 minutes from Belfast International Airport and offers excellent road links to wider exploration.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver first-opinion and referral small animal care across a broad surgical and medical spectrum
• Perform soft tissue, orthopaedic, spinal, and neurological surgery using advanced diagnostic tools (CT, MRI, ultrasound, X-ray)
• Contribute to specialist clinics in areas of interest (orthopaedics, neurology, ophthalmology, dentistry, dermatology)
• Work collaboratively with nine veterinary surgeons, 15 RVNs and support staff in a culture emphasising mentorship and clinical excellence
• Engage in practice wellbeing initiatives and professional development

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (BVSc, BVetMed, or BVMS) with RCVS registration
• Full driving licence preferred
• Interest in referral work, particularly orthopaedics or neurology, a bonus but not essential

Benefits

• Salary up to £60,000 depending on experience
• 7 weeks' annual holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• Private medical insurance
• BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees covered
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy leave and pay
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Access to IVC academy training centres and role-relevant CPD courses
• Mentorship from clinical coaches and peer networks
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Flexible rota options to suit lifestyle and career stage

About the Practice

Cedar Grove has been serving the Belfast community for over 60 years as a purpose-built, RCVS-accredited small animal hospital in South Belfast. The practice combines progressive thinking with established reputation, offering facilities that rival referral centres: five consultation rooms, two surgical theatres, state-of-the-art diagnostics (CT, MRI, ultrasound, X-ray), full in-house laboratory, endoscopy, chemotherapy and blood transfusion capabilities, dedicated dental and ophthalmology facilities, and 24-hour in-house patient care. The team includes nine veterinary surgeons, 15 highly skilled RVNs (many with advanced qualifications), certificate holders in Surgery and Medicine, and strong support staff. Cedar Grove is part of inspiring vet care, the UK's largest veterinary care provider, trusted with over 2 million animals.