Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a genuinely progressive independent practice that’s redefining what work-life balance looks like in veterinary medicine. You’ll work in a varied small animal environment with access to advanced diagnostics and specialist support, all while enjoying flexibility that’s rare in the profession. Whether you’re seeking full-time, part-time, or a bespoke arrangement—including flexible weekend and on-call contributions—Edhen Vets will work with you to create a rota that fits your lifestyle.

Based in Truro with a sister clinic in Newquay, you’ll join a tight-knit team of 7 vets, 7 RVNs, and 3 SVNs who genuinely support one another. The practice brings together clinicians with 5–10 years’ experience, each with their own specialisms: surgery, medicine, general practice, and emergency & critical care, complemented by visiting specialists including a cardiologist and advanced surgical practitioner.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality small animal clinical care across a varied caseload, with full autonomy over case management
• Collaborate with a supportive team of vets and nurses who actively encourage clinical discussion and knowledge-sharing
• Contribute to the out-of-hours rota on a manageable basis—optional on-call duties (typically one night per week) with choice between whole or split weekends, all compensated
• Engage in ongoing professional development and pursue your own clinical interests, with full practice backing
• Support the practice’s commitment to clinical excellence and animal welfare, including involvement with the Edhen Welfare Foundation

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (MRCVS or equivalent)
• Experience in small animal practice
• Collaborative approach to working and genuine interest in supportive teamwork
• Commitment to high clinical standards and continuous learning
• Willingness to contribute to out-of-hours duties (flexible arrangement negotiable)

Benefits

• Salary: £60,000–£70,000 depending on experience and OOH commitment, plus call-out fees and performance bonuses
• Leave: 6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
• Flexibility: Fully flexible working—full-time, part-time, or tailored arrangements designed around your needs
• Professional Development: Uncapped CPD budget, professional membership of your choice (fees paid), and active support for certificates and further study
• Professional Fees: RCVS and VDS fees covered by the practice
• Visa Sponsorship: Available for eligible candidates
• Workplace Culture: Weekly healthy snack deliveries, regular social events (Christmas party, summer celebration, annual CVA Ball trip), and a genuinely supportive team environment

About the Practice

Edhen Vets is an independent, small animal practice founded in Truro in 2021 and expanded with a second clinic in Newquay in 2023. The practice is accredited by Flexee—the only such accreditation held by a South West practice—reflecting its genuine commitment to work-life balance and team wellbeing. The practice operates 365 days a year with an emphasis on personal service and clinical excellence.

Facilities include DR X-ray, ultrasound, comprehensive in-house laboratory, laparoscopy, DR dental X-ray, endoscopy, and bronchoscopy. The team benefits from partnerships with visiting specialists and a culture that actively encourages professional growth, CPD attendance (the team regularly attends the London Vet Show together), and the pursuit of individual clinical interests. Beyond clinical work, Edhen Vets supports animal welfare charities abroad through the Edhen Welfare Foundation, contributing to neutering projects and veterinary clinic establishment in developing countries.