Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is your chance to grow alongside a thriving, independent practice that’s redefining what small animal veterinary care looks like in Cornwall. Founded in 2021, Edhen Vets has expanded from Truro to Newquay, building a collaborative team united by clinical excellence and genuine respect for each other. You’ll work across two modern facilities with a manageable out-of-hours rota—shared among the team, with flexibility to choose whole or split weekends and optional on-call duties (typically one night per week, compensated).

The practice particularly values candidates with a medical bias or medicine certificate, but if Edhen’s ethos and approach resonate with you—even without a medicine specialism—they want to hear from you. This role offers real autonomy over your cases, no unrealistic targets, and the space to develop your interests within a supportive environment.

Nestled in scenic Cornwall, Edhen serves Truro, Newquay, and the surrounding areas with 24/7 care. It’s a location where clinical variety meets genuine work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality small animal clinical care across both the Truro and Newquay clinics
• Contribute to a shared out-of-hours rota, with flexibility around whole/split weekends and optional on-call duties
• Collaborate with a team of 7 vets, 7 RVNs, and 3 SVNs who bring 5–10 years’ experience and diverse clinical interests
• Work alongside visiting specialists (including cardiologist Dr Fiona Tomczynska and Advanced Practitioner in surgery Katie Lenton) to deliver advanced care in-house
• Help develop the practice’s clinical services and shape future growth
• Support the practice’s commitment to animal welfare and the Edhen Welfare Foundation’s work abroad

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (RCVS registered)
• Experience in small animal practice
• Medical bias or medicine certificate holder preferred, but not essential
• Willingness to participate in out-of-hours rota (negotiable)
• Professional approach to clinical excellence and animal welfare
• Interest in continuing professional development

Benefits

• Salary: £60,000–£70,000 (depending on experience and OOH commitment), plus call-out fees and bonuses
• Holiday: 6 weeks including bank holidays
• Flexible working: Full-time or part-time hours tailored to your needs (half days, split weeks, etc.)—Flexee accredited
• Professional development: Uncapped CPD budget, choice of professional membership, and active support for further qualifications and certificates
• Professional fees: RCVS and VDS fees paid by the practice
• Visa sponsorship: Available for eligible candidates
• Wellbeing: Weekly healthy snack box deliveries and regular team socials (Christmas party, summer celebration, CVA Ball trip)
• Workplace culture: No hierarchies, genuine team support, and an environment where clinical ideas and CPD learning are actively encouraged

About the Practice

Edhen Vets is an independent small animal practice established in Truro in 2021, with a second clinic opened in Newquay in 2023. The practice has grown to a team of 7 vets (with experience ranging from 5–10 years and diverse specialisms including surgery, medicine, ECC, and imaging), 7 RVNs, 3 SVNs, and a dedicated client care team. Founder Rachel leads with a genuine commitment to both clinical excellence and staff wellbeing.

The practice is well equipped with digital radiography, ultrasound, comprehensive in-house laboratory, laparoscopy, digital dental X-ray, endoscopy, and bronchoscopy. Edhen works with visiting specialists and prioritizes keeping advanced cases in-house. Beyond clinical work, the practice is proud to support the Edhen Welfare Foundation, which funds neutering projects and veterinary clinic establishment in developing countries. Most of the team actively pursues further study, and the practice regularly attends the London Vet Show together. Edhen is the only practice in the South West holding Flexee accreditation, reflecting its genuine commitment to flexible and supportive working arrangements.