Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

You’ll join Deane Vets, a busy and welcoming small animal practice in the heart of Taunton, caring for a wonderfully varied caseload including dogs, cats, rabbits, small furries and the occasional tortoise. The role offers a healthy balance between consultations and surgery, though the practice is equally open to a consult-only vet. With a manageable 1:6 weekend rota (8:00am–7:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays), full-time hours are worked across four days between 8:30am and 7:00pm, with part-time applications very welcome.

Taunton offers the best of both worlds: a vibrant town centre with great cafés and shops, excellent transport links, and beautiful Somerset countryside on your doorstep. The Quantock and Blackdown Hills are nearby, and the coast is easily accessible—ideal if you’re seeking balance, space and quality of life.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, compassionate primary care consultations and surgical procedures to a diverse caseload
• Perform routine surgical procedures including dentals, lump removals and soft tissue work, with scope to develop your clinical interests
• Work cases up thoroughly and enjoy continuity with patients where possible
• Collaborate with a team of five vets and eight RVNs to provide seamless patient care
• Participate in the 1:6 weekend rota, covering Saturday and Sunday daytime sessions
• Contribute to the practice’s community involvement through school visits, dog shows and local events

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (RVC or equivalent)
• A genuine interest in small animal medicine and surgery
• Professional and compassionate approach to patient and client care
• Willingness to develop skills with mentorship and support
• Flexible attitude to working patterns (full-time, part-time or flexible hours all considered)

Benefits

• Salary & Bonuses: 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, and access to the IVC Evidensia Academy. Vets and nurses can apply for research funding
• Wellbeing: Private medical insurance, 24/7 employee assistance programme helpline, enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay)
• Professional Memberships: BVA membership and VDS cover included
• Pension & Benefits: Company pension scheme with employer contribution, cycle to work scheme, green cars scheme, voluntary benefits, access to discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers, and discounted treatment for your own pets at any IVC Evidensia practice
• Care Fund: All vets receive £1,250 per annum to spend via the practice care fund
• Other Support: Access to Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia, infection prevention and control programme, quality improvement programme

About the Practice

Deane Vets is a purpose-built small animal practice located close to Taunton’s main high street. Recently refurbished, the modern facility includes four consulting rooms, two theatres, a dedicated lab, separate cat and dog wards with isolation, X-ray rooms, a dental suite, dispensary and excellent on-site parking. The practice is well equipped with ultrasound, dental X-ray, DR X-ray (SignalPET), full in-house lab, microscopy and cytology equipment.

The team comprises five vets, eight RVNs and a fantastic client care team who value collaboration and kindness. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, a large veterinary group, and actively encourages professional development and certificate training. Beyond clinical work, the team is involved in the local community through school visits, dog shows and events.