Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is an opportunity to work in a privately owned, independent practice set in the heart of Suffolk countryside. You'll enjoy a balanced mix of consulting and surgery with at least one dedicated operating day most weeks. The position is based on a 4-day week with a set day off, shared 1:6 weekend rota, and weeknight on-call commitment of 4 nights in every 6 weeks.

What sets Debenham apart is the unique combination of first-opinion and referral services under one roof. You'll be surrounded by advanced expertise in imaging, emergency care, feline medicine, neurology, and cardiology, with daily opportunities to learn, collaborate, and develop your clinical skills further.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide first-opinion small animal care alongside a team of five vets with diverse specialist interests
• Participate in referral cases and complex surgical procedures performed by the established surgical referral team
• Contribute to fortnightly clinical governance meetings and case and paper reviews
• Engage in weekly practice meetings bringing the whole team together for clinical discussion
• Access and utilise advanced facilities including CT, endoscopy, laparoscopy, and in-house laboratory
• Work alongside an exceptional nursing team with multiple Senior RVNs leading anaesthesia, imaging, wards, pharmacy, surgical referrals, and theatre work

Requirements

• Completed VetGDP or equivalent
• Comfortable with general practice and looking to develop further
• RCVS registration (implied)
• Ability to work on-call shifts as part of the rota system

Benefits

• Salary: £38,000 to £75,000 depending on experience
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• CPD actively encouraged, with certificates supported and funded
• Company pension
• Visa sponsorship available
• Potential short-term accommodation available for relocating candidates
• In-house learning and development events in dedicated function room
• Strong social team culture including practice events and seasonal challenges

About the Practice

Debenham Veterinary Practice is an independent, privately owned small animal practice with on-site emergency and critical care facilities. The team is led by Heather Collinson, a highly experienced clinician with a certificate in small animal medicine. The practice offers first-opinion services alongside referral specialisms including veterinary ophthalmology, small animal surgery, outpatient CT imaging, laparoscopic spays, radioactive iodine treatment, and dermatology.

The practice has invested in a purpose-built environment designed with both people and patients in mind. The nursing team is large and highly skilled, with multiple Senior RVNs and additional qualifications across emergency and critical care, feline nursing, behaviour, anaesthesia, and imaging. The culture emphasises clinical excellence, collaboration, and genuine support for team development.