Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a chance to grow alongside a progressive, independent practice that’s serious about work-life balance. Founded in 2021, Edhen Vets has expanded from Truro to a second clinic in Newquay, and they’re looking for an experienced clinician to strengthen their offering. You’ll work in a supportive environment where each vet has an individually tailored rota—whether that’s full-time, part-time, or something in between—and flexibility isn’t just policy, it’s culture.

The practice particularly welcomes vets with a medical bias or medicine certificate, but if their ethos resonates with you, they’re keen to hear from you regardless of your specialism. You’ll be supported by engaged, approachable directors who work alongside the team, plus a highly capable nursing team (7 RVNs and 3 SVNs) with strong clinical interests. Out-of-hours duties are shared and manageable—most colleagues commit to one night per week on an optional, paid basis, with flexibility to choose whole or split weekends.

Nestled in coastal Cornwall, Truro offers a quality of life many vets actively seek, with a close-knit practice community and strong emphasis on clinical excellence without burnout.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality small animal clinical care across general practice and areas of specialist interest
• Contribute to the practice’s medicine-focused development, particularly if you hold relevant expertise
• Collaborate with the clinical team (7 vets with between 5 and 10 years’ experience) and specialist visiting clinicians including a cardiologist and advanced practitioner in small animal surgery
• Utilise advanced equipment including DR X-ray, ultrasound, laparoscopy, dental X-ray, endoscopy, and bronchoscopy for comprehensive in-house care
• Participate in shared out-of-hours rota (optional, compensated with call-out fees/bonuses)
• Support the practice’s culture of continuous learning and evidence-based practice

Requirements

• Registered veterinary surgeon (RCVS)
• Experience in small animal practice (experienced vet preferred)
• Medical bias or medicine certificate holder highly valued (but not essential if practice ethos appeals)
• Strong clinical judgment and commitment to patient and client care
• Collaborative, team-focused approach to practice
• Willingness to contribute to manageable out-of-hours rota (optional)

Benefits

• Salary: £60,000–£70,000 depending on experience and OOH commitment, plus call-out fees and bonuses
• Leave: 6 weeks’ holiday, including bank holidays
• Flexibility: Full-time or part-time hours available; individual rotas tailored to your lifestyle
• Professional Development: Uncapped CPD allowance, professional membership of your choice, and active support for further study (certificates, diplomas, etc.)
• Professional Fees: RCVS and VDS fees paid
• Visa Sponsorship: Available for eligible candidates
• Culture: Weekly healthy snack boxes, regular social events (Christmas party, summer celebration, CVA Ball trip), and genuinely supportive team environment
• Facilities: Access to comprehensive advanced equipment and visiting specialists

About the Practice

Edhen Vets is an independent, modern small animal practice founded in 2021 in Truro, with a second clinic opened in Newquay in 2023. The practice is the only one in the South West to hold Flexee accreditation, reflecting a genuine commitment to staff wellbeing and flexible working. The team comprises 7 vets (each with 5–10 years’ experience and individual specialist interests), 7 RVNs, 3 SVNs, and dedicated client care advisors. The practice is underpinned by values of clinical excellence, collaborative teamwork, and animal welfare.

The clinicians represent diverse interests: surgery, medicine, general practice, emergency and critical care (ECC), and imaging. The practice regularly invests in CPD and equipment, hosts visits from specialist clinicians (cardiologist Dr Fiona Tomczynska and Advanced Practitioner Katie Lenton), and supports team members pursuing further qualifications. Beyond clinical work, Edhen Vets operates the Edhen Welfare Foundation, contributing to neutering projects and veterinary clinic establishment in developing countries. The practice provides 24/7 care, 365 days a year, with an emphasis on personal service and genuine client relationships.