Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a permanent position based at Farthings Veterinary Group’s Horsham practice, working a 4-day week across 37 hours with a 1:6 on-call rota (own clients only, with TOIL during the week). You’ll be joining a well-established, close-knit team that’s grown both in size and clinical ambition, now offering expanding exotics services alongside robust first-opinion caseloads. The practice sits perfectly between the North and South Downs—just an hour from London and 45 minutes from the coast, with excellent walking routes and outdoor lifestyle options.

You’ll work across two sites (Horsham and Billingshurst) with a fully staffed RVN team supporting inpatient care, modern clinical facilities, and a diverse, loyal client base. This role offers the clinical variety and development opportunities that come with a larger practice, without losing the supportive, collaborative culture that makes Farthings genuinely special.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Practice Director in maintaining high clinical standards and exceptional patient care across both sites
• Mentor junior vets and help build their confidence in surgery and emergency cases
• Conduct general practice duties: consultations, routine surgeries, emergency and critical care cases, and procedures including exploratory laparotomies, pleural effusion drainage, and male cat unblocking
• Contribute to optimising client service, business performance, and team culture
• Participate in clinical meetings and ensure practice compliance with RCVS Code of Conduct
• Engage with continuing professional development and clinical learning opportunities within the team

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years’ post-qualification experience (3–5+ years preferred)
• Confidence in basic emergency procedures and ECC support
• General surgery and consulting experience
• Ability to support and mentor more junior team members
• However, candidates with a range of experience levels are welcome to apply

Benefits

• Salary: Up to £60,000 depending on experience
• Leave: 5 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays, with option to buy/sell additional holiday
• Professional Development: Generous CPD allowance and support for professional certificates; strong encouragement and investment in your learning
• Memberships: Professional memberships funded (RCVS and VDS)
• Family Support: Maternity/adoption pay (10 weeks full, 10 weeks half pay); paternity and shared parental leave
• Wellbeing: Mental Health First Aiders on staff; strong wellbeing culture; Employee Assistance Programme (24/7)
• Additional Perks: Cycle to Work Scheme; discounted pet treatments; Save As You Earn Scheme (SAYE); Long Service Holiday Award

About the Practice

Farthings Veterinary Group is a well-established, two-site companion animal practice serving Horsham and Billingshurst in West Sussex. Part of the CVS Group, the practice is known for its strong, stable team culture and clinical excellence. With 10 FTE vets and 18 FTE RVNs, Farthings has grown its caseload significantly and recently expanded its exotics service. The team includes certificate holders in medicine and orthopaedic expertise, and the practice works as a partner facility for Surrey University, supervising EMS students and collaborating with a VetGDP Advisor.

The practice is defined by its collaborative learning environment, journal clubs, team events, and genuine peer support. Staff testimonials consistently highlight the family-like team dynamic, individual career development support, and a safe, supportive environment where ideas are welcomed and clinical excellence is encouraged.