Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

This is a full-time permanent position working 40 hours per week across Downland’s clinics in Bognor and Chichester. You’ll be part of a substantial clinical team—10 vets, 15 RVNs, and dedicated support staff—delivering high-quality primary care across a varied and rewarding small animal caseload. The practice participates in a Saturday morning rota only, with no out-of-hours commitments, making this an ideal opportunity for vets seeking genuine work-life balance without sacrificing clinical engagement.

You’ll work collaboratively to deliver excellent patient and client care while continuing to develop your clinical skills and interests. As an integral member of the team, you’ll share knowledge with colleagues and contribute positively to the clinical culture of the practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard patient and client care across routine medical and surgical cases
• Work collaboratively within the 10-vet clinical team, supporting colleague development and sharing expertise
• Manage a varied caseload across both Bognor and Chichester clinics
• Participate in Saturday morning rota (no out-of-hours or night shifts required)
• Contribute to the ongoing development and clinical culture of the practice
• Take a proactive approach to your own learning and professional development

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration (or eligibility to register)
• 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

• Salary: Up to £60,000 depending on experience
• Holiday: 6.6 weeks’ annual leave including bank holidays
• Professional Development: £1,250 annual Care Fund, funded CPD allowance, access to IVC Academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• Clinical Support: Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Professional Fees: BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance, enhanced family leave and pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy)
• Additional Perks: Cycle to Work scheme, Green Car scheme (eligibility applies), retail discounts and cashback offers, reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Career Pathways: Clear progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles

About the Practice

Downland Veterinary Group is a well-established small animal practice with 12 clinics covering Hampshire and West Sussex. Over the last two decades, the practice has concentrated solely on small animal work while staying at the forefront of medicine and surgery. The team takes great pride in its investment in facilities across all clinics, but recognises that the quality of its staff—vets, nurses, and receptionists—is the most important asset in delivering a first-class service to pets and their owners across the region.

Downland is part of IVC Evidensia, the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group comprising over 900 practices and referral hospitals. IVC Evidensia is committed to supporting careers without limits, investing in learning, innovation, and wellbeing to create environments where teams grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment at every stage of their career.