Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is your chance to grow alongside a thriving, independent small animal practice that’s redefining what modern vet medicine can be. Based in Truro with a second clinic in Newquay, Edhen Vets is seeking an experienced clinician to join their expanding 7-vet team—ideally someone with a medical bias or medicine certificate, though they’re open to talented generalists who share their ethos.

The role is genuinely flexible: full-time, part-time, half days, or any arrangement that fits your life. Out-of-hours duties are shared across the team (typically one night per week on an optional, compensated on-call basis), with the option to take whole or split weekends. This isn’t performative flexibility—every team member has an individually tailored rota, and the practice culture reflects it.

You’ll work alongside experienced directors who are present and approachable, supported by a highly capable nursing team (7 RVNs, 3 SVNs) with genuine interest in medicine. The clinicians here bring 5–10 years of experience each, with diverse interests spanning surgery, medicine, general practice, ECC, and imaging. You’ll also have access to visiting specialists, including a cardiologist and advanced surgery practitioner.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clinical care across small animal medicine and general practice, with scope to develop your specialist interests
• Collaborate with a close-knit team of 7 vets and 9 nursing staff across two locations (Truro and Newquay)
• Contribute to a shared out-of-hours rota, with optional on-call duties (typically one night per week)
• Support the practice’s commitment to clinical excellence and evidence-based medicine
• Help shape the future of services as the practice continues to grow
• Engage with professional development and CPD opportunities (most team members are undertaking further study)

Requirements

• RCVS-registered veterinary surgeon
• Experienced vet, ideally with a medical bias or a medicine certificate
• Strong communication and collaborative working style
• Willingness to contribute to out-of-hours coverage (on-call duties optional but valued)
• Genuine commitment to clinical excellence and animal welfare

Benefits

• Salary: £60,000–£70,000 depending on experience and OOH commitment, plus call-out fees and bonuses
• Time off: 6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
• Professional development: Uncapped CPD budget, professional membership of your choice (costs covered), career development support, and encouragement to pursue certificates and further study
• Flexibility: Genuine flexible working (full-time, part-time, or bespoke arrangements); Flexee-accredited practice
• Professional fees: RCVS and VDS membership paid by the practice
• Visa sponsorship: Available for eligible candidates
• Workplace culture: Weekly healthy snack box deliveries, regular team socials (Christmas party, summer celebration, CVA Ball trip), and a supportive, collaborative environment with no targets beyond clinical excellence
• Facilities: DR X-ray, ultrasound, in-house laboratory, laparoscopy, DR dental X-ray, endoscopy, and bronchoscopy

About the Practice

Edhen Veterinary Surgery is an independent small animal practice founded in Truro in 2021, with a second clinic opened in Newquay in 2023. The practice provides round-the-clock care 365 days a year with an emphasis on personal service. The team includes 7 vets, 7 RVNs, 3 SVNs, and dedicated client care advisors, united by a focus on clinical excellence, collaborative teamwork, and animal welfare.

The practice is exceptionally well-equipped (DR X-ray, ultrasound, comprehensive in-house laboratory, laparoscopy, DR dental X-ray, endoscopy, bronchoscopy) and benefits from visiting specialists including cardiologist Dr Fiona Tomczynska and Advanced Practitioner in small animal surgery Katie Lenton. Edhen also supports animal charities abroad through the Edhen Welfare Foundation, which contributes to neutering projects and veterinary clinic establishment in developing countries. The practice is Flexee-accredited—the only one in the South West—reflecting a genuine, embedded commitment to work-life balance and staff wellbeing.