Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This maternity cover position offers a genuine opportunity to become part of an established and respected small animal practice. Based in Witney, a charming market town in Oxfordshire, you'll work flexibly across 30 to 40 hours per week spread over 3 to 5 days, with the chance to negotiate your schedule around the essential requirement of covering Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The role includes a 1:6 sole charge weekend rota with time off in lieu, providing manageable out-of-hours commitment.

You'll join a team of seven experienced vets and a nurse-led practice that places strong emphasis on collaborative care. The practice is equipped with digital radiography, high-specification ultrasound with phased array probes, dental radiography, in-house laboratory facilities, and tonometry. Witney itself is ideally positioned for lifestyle, with Oxford a short drive away and the Cotswolds on your doorstep.

While the contract is initially for nine months, there is a genuine prospect of this transitioning to a permanent role depending on practice needs and your performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver primary care veterinary services across a varied and rewarding caseload
• Work collaboratively with the seven-vet team to maintain high standards of patient and client care
• Share knowledge and experience with colleagues, contributing to the clinical culture of the practice
• Support the ongoing development of other team members
• Develop your own clinical skills and professional interests whilst working with a nurse-led practice model
• Manage routine medical and surgical cases with growing confidence
• Participate in 1:6 sole charge weekend cover on a rota basis

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration (or eligibility to register)
• Experience working in clinical practice with developing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
• Strong communication skills and ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• Proactive approach to learning, openness to feedback and development
• Professionalism, reliability, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Flexibility with working days, with commitment to cover Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday minimum

Benefits

• Salary up to £68,000 depending on experience
• 6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay covering maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees paid
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (subject to eligibility)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles

About the Practice

Cogges Veterinary Surgery was established in May 1993 by Karen Kappen and has grown into a respected independent practice deeply embedded in the local community. The practice remains completely independent and is known for friendly, professional care with genuine commitment to the areas it serves, including international outreach work to Botswana and Egypt.

The team of seven veterinary surgeons includes certificate holders in ophthalmology, internal medicine, and diagnostic imaging. The practice operates on a nurse-led model with strong collaborative teamwork. All staff members are animal lovers with pets of their own. The practice is well-equipped with modern diagnostic and surgical facilities including digital radiography, advanced ultrasound, dental radiography, in-house laboratory, and tonometry equipment.