Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

Elm Veterinary Group has been caring for Plymouth’s pets for over a century, and they’re now seeking a Veterinary Surgeon to join their friendly, supportive small animal team. Based at the Milehouse branch with access to two additional sites across the city, you’ll work a manageable three-day week (30 hours over Monday–Friday, 8:30am–7pm) with no out-of-hours or on-call commitments. Saturday mornings are consult-only and sole charge, though you’ll never lack support when needed.

This is the kind of role built for work-life balance: flexible hours, genuine collaboration, and the chance to develop your skills in a practice that invests in its team. If you’re drawn to part-time or flexible working arrangements (20+ hours per week also considered), this could be your fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver general small animal medical and surgical care across cats, dogs, rabbits, and small pets
• Conduct routine and orthopaedic surgeries, including dermatological and other complex cases
• Perform one dedicated surgical day per week, with remaining time focused on medical consultations and diagnostics
• Contribute to a multi-vet environment (7 vets total) with embedded expertise in ECC, orthopaedics, dermatology, acupuncture, and osteoarthritis management
• Lead Saturday morning clinics independently with backup available
• Optionally pursue consult-only work if preferred

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon (MRCVS or equivalent)
• Confidence in general practice duties and small animal surgery
• Confidence in general practice duties and small animal surgery (consult-only role also considered)
• Professional approach to patient care and client communication
• Interest in continued professional development and potential certification (supported by the practice)

Benefits

• Leave & Time Off: 6.6 weeks annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), plus additional holiday on your birthday; no OOH or on-call work
• Professional Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave per year; certificate support; access to IVC Evidensia Academy and Vetlexicon; research funding available
• Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance; 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme; enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, surrogacy pay); wellbeing initiatives
• Financial & Pension: Competitive base salary up to £65,000 FTE (depending on experience); company pension with IVC Evidensia contribution; £1,250 annual Care Fund allowance per vet
• Professional Memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Colleague Perks: Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme (subject to eligibility); voluntary benefits programme; discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers; discounted pet treatment at IVC Evidensia practices

About the Practice

Elm Veterinary Group is an established small animal practice with deep roots in the Plymouth community, operating for more than 100 years. The practice comprises three sites across Plymouth (main branch in Milehouse plus two additional locations), creating a supportive multi-practice environment. The team includes 7 veterinary surgeons, 8 Registered Veterinary Nurses, 2 Veterinary Care Assistants, and a dedicated client care team, many with specialist interests including ECC, orthopaedics, dermatology, acupuncture, and osteoarthritis.

Elm Vets is part of IVC Evidensia, a leading veterinary group committed to investment in people, premises, and processes. The practice is equipped with ultrasound, digital and dental X-ray, endoscopy, laparoscopic equipment, and comprehensive diagnostic and surgical tools to support clinical excellence and professional development. The culture emphasises knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and creating an environment where vets thrive both professionally and personally.