About the Role
This is a genuinely varied mixed animal position based in the heart of Highland Perthshire, split between Heartland Vets' main hub in Aberfeldy and the Pitlochry branch. You'll work with a strong mixed caseload (approximately 60% small animal, 40% large animal) across a two-site practice that punches well above its weight in terms of clinical facilities and team support. With a 1:5 out-of-hours rota including weekends and weeknights, and time off in lieu following weekend shifts, this role offers the variety that keeps mixed practice interesting without the burnout of unsustainable on-call commitments. There's no routine weekend daytime work outside of your OOH responsibilities, making genuine work-life balance genuinely achievable.
Based in one of Scotland's most scenic regions, you'll be surrounded by mountains, rivers, and lochs—ideal for hill walking, cycling, paddleboarding, and exploring nearby Munros. The area combines a strong community feel with excellent accessibility to Perth, Dundee, Stirling, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, so rural living doesn't mean isolation.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver clinical care across a diverse mixed caseload: small animals (dogs, cats, rabbits), farm animals (beef cattle, sheep, pigs, deer, poultry, camelids), and equine cases (vaccinations, dentistry, occasional colic)
- Manage routine consultations, surgical procedures, and emergency cases across both Aberfeldy and Pitlochry branches
- Participate in the 1:5 out-of-hours rota (including weekends and weeknights) with time off in lieu
- Work collaboratively within the established team to support case continuity and share clinical knowledge
- Contribute to a supportive, team-focused clinical environment where development is actively encouraged
Requirements
- Veterinary degree and RCVS registration (or eligibility for registration)
- Experience or strong interest in mixed animal practice
- Confidence managing a varied caseload across multiple species
- Strong communication and client relationship skills
- Flexible, collaborative, and proactive approach to work
Benefits
- Salary & Bonuses: Up to £70,000 DOE, welcome bonus up to £5,000, relocation allowance up to £5,000
- Time Off: 6.8 weeks' holiday including bank holidays; time off in lieu following weekend OOH shifts
- Learning & Development: £1,250 annual Care Fund for CPD; access to IVC academy training centres and role-relevant courses; mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
- Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance; enhanced family leave and pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy)
- Professional Support: BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS fees covered
- Additional Perks: Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies); retail discounts and cashback offers; reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
- Flexible Working: Full-time and part-time applications considered; flexible working patterns available including condensed or school-hour options where possible
About the Practice
Heartland Vets is a well-established mixed animal practice operating across two sites in Highland Perthshire: the main hub in Aberfeldy and a branch in Pitlochry. The practice is equipped with digital X-ray, ultrasound, Ovacyte faecal analyser, stance analyser, PRP therapy kit, bull fertility testing equipment, and a motorised equine dental kit—resources that reflect a genuine commitment to clinical quality. The team comprises 5 veterinary surgeons, 3 nurses, a student nurse, and 6 support staff, creating an experienced and genuinely supportive working environment.
Heartland Vets is part of IVC Evidensia, the UK and Europe's leading veterinary care group made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals. IVC Evidensia is committed to creating career pathways without limits, supporting clinical impact, and fostering wellbeing and continuous professional development at every stage of a veterinary career.
