Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

Darley House Veterinary Centre is seeking a Veterinary Surgeon to join its established small animal practice in Farnworth, Bolton. This is a part-time role of 20 hours per week with flexible rota patterns tailored to your needs. The practice is part of inspiring vet care, the UK's leading vet care provider, yet maintains its traditional, locally-rooted identity with a caring, friendly approach to patient and client care.

You'll work alongside an experienced clinical team including two vets with surgical interests, a Clinical Director with a passion for medicine, five nurses (including a head nurse with 30+ years tenure), and supportive reception staff. The practice is well-equipped with modern facilities including X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, cryo-pen, and pending dental X-ray. There are opportunities to develop expertise in orthopaedics, cardiology, and soft tissue surgery. This role includes no out-of-hours on-call duties, though Saturday mornings are shared on a 1 in 3 rota, making it ideal for someone seeking genuine work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard patient and client care across a varied small animal caseload
• Work collaboratively with the wider clinical team to maintain excellent care standards
• Continue developing your clinical skills in medical and surgical cases
• Share knowledge and experience with colleagues, contributing to the clinical culture of the practice
• Support the ongoing development of junior team members
• Bring clinical expertise in routine medical and surgical procedures

Requirements

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

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £65,000 per annum, depending on experience
• 6.8 weeks' holiday, including bank holidays
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees paid
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
• CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles

About the Practice

Darley House Veterinary Centre has been established for over 70 years as a traditional small animal practice in Farnworth, Bolton. The practice is now part of inspiring vet care, the UK's number one vet care provider, trusted with the care of over 2 million animals. Despite this corporate affiliation, the practice retains its local, family-oriented character and has a client base that spans generations. The practice benefits from more than 50 years of collective veterinary experience across the team, with several staff members having served for 20+ years.

The practice is well-equipped with modern clinical facilities and prides itself on a collaborative working environment where clinical skills and team values are equally important. Staff and clients alike describe the atmosphere as a family vibe where caring, kind, compassionate, and empathetic values define daily interactions. The practice serves as a core part of the local community beyond its clinical work.