Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

Deane Vets is seeking a Veterinary Surgeon to join their busy and welcoming small animal practice in Taunton. You’ll work with a wonderfully varied caseload including cats, dogs, rabbits, small furries and occasional reptiles, striking an excellent balance between consultations and surgical work. This role is flexible—those preferring consult-only arrangements are welcome to discuss arrangements.

The practice operates four-day weeks between 8:30am and 7:00pm, with a manageable 1:6 weekend rota (8:00am–7:00pm) supported by RVNs. The out-of-hours commitment is genuinely manageable and carefully planned to protect your work-life balance. Part-time applications are warmly welcomed.

Located close to Taunton’s high street, the purpose-built practice has recently undergone full refurbishment, offering a modern, welcoming workspace. You’ll work alongside a team of five vets and eight RVNs who genuinely value collaboration and kindness.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, compassionate care to small animal patients across consultations and surgery
• Perform routine surgical procedures including dentals, lump removals and soft tissue work, with scope to develop specialist interests
• Work cases thoroughly, building clinical confidence at your own pace with continuity of care where possible
• Contribute to the wider practice team, including participation in community engagement (school visits, dog shows, local events)
• Develop clinical skills with support and mentorship from experienced colleagues

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon (RCVS registered)
• Experience in small animal general practice (or willingness to develop skills with support)
• Strong communication and client care skills
• Commitment to continuing professional development

Benefits

• Salary: Up to £70,000 DOE, plus up to £5,000 welcome bonus and up to £5,000 relocation allowance
• Leave: 6.6 weeks annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), plus additional holiday for your birthday
• Professional Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave; certificate support; access to IVC Evidensia Academy; £1,250 Care Fund per annum for professional development; research funding opportunities
• Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance; 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme; enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay)
• Professional Support: BVA membership; VDS cover; access to Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia
• Pension: Company pension scheme with employer contribution
• Additional Perks: Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme; voluntary benefits; discounts with hundreds of retailers; discounted treatment for your own pets at IVC Evidensia practices

About the Practice

Deane Vets is a busy, friendly small animal practice serving Taunton and the surrounding area. The recently refurbished purpose-built facility is well-equipped with ultrasound, dental X-ray, DR X-ray (SignalPET), full in-house laboratory, microscopy and cytology capabilities. The team comprises five vets, eight RVNs and a dedicated client care team committed to delivering excellent patient outcomes and supporting staff wellbeing.

The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, a leading veterinary care provider within Mars Veterinary Health. Deane Vets is deeply embedded in the local community, supporting school visits, dog shows and local events. Taunton offers a vibrant town centre with excellent cafés and shops, surrounded by beautiful Somerset countryside—the Quantock and Blackdown Hills and the coast are all within easy reach, making it an ideal location for those seeking balance and quality of life.