Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has opened at City Vets Heavitree for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon with an interest in exotics to join a friendly, highly skilled veterinary and nursing team. You’ll work with a varied and rewarding caseload, building long-term relationships with patients and clients while contributing to a practice that combines first-opinion care with referral work. This is a permanent position open to both full-time and part-time arrangements, giving you flexibility while maintaining clinical involvement.

Based in Exeter—a city that balances urban living with easy access to the Devon countryside and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site—this role offers excellent work-life balance and rail links to London and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, personalised first-opinion care across all species, with particular scope for exotic animal expertise
• Work collaboratively with a progressive nursing team that leads on imaging, lumps/bumps, and emergency care
• Engage with the practice’s referral network, working closely with local hospitals on more complex cases
• Contribute to the practice’s cat and rabbit friendly accreditation standards (ISFM Cat Friendly, RWAF Gold Standard Rabbit Friendly)
• Support and mentor nursing colleagues in a culture that values team wellbeing
• Develop clinical expertise through exposure to advanced cases via the referral network and visiting specialists (cardiology, ophthalmology, physiotherapy)

Requirements

• RCVS registered or eligible to register as a Veterinary Surgeon
• Highly experienced and confident across all areas of first-opinion practice
• Proven ability to build strong client relationships and deliver personalised care
• A genuine interest in exotic animals (advantageous and welcomed)

Benefits

• Salary up to £60,000 per annum (D.O.E)
• 5 weeks’ holiday plus bank holidays and birthday leave
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• Employer contribution pension scheme
• Extensive internal and externally funded CPD opportunities
• Generous staff discount scheme
• Life assurance
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme
• Enhanced equal family leave
• Relocation support

About the Practice

City Vets Heavitree is an RCVS-accredited first-opinion hospital and referral practice, part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health. The practice is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including CT, 3D ultrasound, digital radiography, endoscopy, and dental imaging, alongside separate wards for dogs and cats. The team includes multiple certificate holders and is supported by visiting specialists in cardiology, ophthalmology, and physiotherapy. As an ISFM Cat Friendly Clinic (Bronze accreditation) and RWAF Gold Standard Rabbit Friendly practice, City Vets demonstrates a commitment to high-standard, species-specific care.

Linnaeus is the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world, part of Mars Veterinary Health. With over 6,000 associates, the company is driven by its purpose: to create a better world for pets, starting with a better world for its people. You’ll have access to an extensive network of specialists, worldwide development opportunities, and a comprehensive wellbeing package that supports both physical and mental health.