Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

You’ll be joining Haydon Veterinary Centre as a part-time Veterinary Surgeon, working two full days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday) plus one Saturday morning on a relaxed 1 in 4 rota—with absolutely no out-of-hours or on-call commitments. This is a rare opportunity to combine clinical variety with genuine work-life balance in a welcoming practice nestled in Bridport’s vibrant market town setting, surrounded by the Jurassic Coast, beautiful beaches and rolling Dorset countryside.

The practice is purpose-built, single-site and architecturally designed for teamwork. You’ll find three consulting rooms, a dedicated prep and theatre, X-ray and ultrasound room, separate cat and dog wards, and a comfortable staff room—all contributing to a calm working environment for staff and clients alike.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver clinical care across a varied small animal caseload including dogs, cats, rabbits, small furries and the occasional chicken
• Perform medicine and surgery work balanced throughout your rota, ranging from routine procedures to advanced cases such as splenectomies, TPLOs and orthopaedic surgery
• Work alongside three vets, five RVNs and one SVN in a collaborative, supportive team environment
• Utilise on-site diagnostics including laboratory, digital X-ray, ultrasound and state-of-the-art operating theatre with laparoscopy capability
• Participate in house visits using the practice’s own ambulance and nurse-led community visiting service

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon registered with the RCVS
• Experience and genuine interest in small animal practice
• Collaborative approach to working within a team

Benefits

• Annual Leave: 6.6 weeks inclusive of bank holidays (pro rata), plus additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
• CPD & Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave (pro rata), certificate support, access to IVC Evidensia Academy, Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia, and research funding eligibility
• Wellbeing Support: Private Medical Insurance, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay), and colleague wellbeing initiatives
• Professional Membership: BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees covered
• Financial Benefits: Company pension scheme with employer contribution, £1,250 per annum via IVC Evidensia Care Fund, Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, voluntary benefits, and discounts with hundreds of retailers
• Pet Care: Discounted treatment for your own pets at any IVC Evidensia practice
• Professional Culture: Encouragement to pursue areas of clinical interest; certificate holders in surgery, medicine and cardiology within the team

About the Practice

Haydon Veterinary Centre is a purpose-built, single-site small animal practice located on an industrial estate close to Bridport town centre. The practice treats dogs, cats, small pets and is rabbit-friendly and chicken-friendly, offering genuine variety throughout the day. Surgical capabilities are comprehensive, with access to advanced diagnostics and procedures in-house, ensuring clinical continuity and satisfaction.

Part of IVC Evidensia, a leading UK veterinary group, the practice maintains its own identity and culture centred on collaboration, kindness and clinical excellence. The team includes three veterinary surgeons, five RVNs, one SVN and a dedicated client care team, with ongoing support for professional development and certificate qualifications.