Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

This full-time veterinary surgeon position offers a refreshing balance of clinical work without the out-of-hours grind. You’ll work across two sites in Hadleigh and Brantham, splitting your time between both practices in a supportive small animal environment. The only rota commitment is 1 in 3 Saturday mornings (8am–1pm) – a genuine work-life balance, not a sales pitch.

Hadleigh itself is a charming market town in Suffolk with historic character, excellent schools, and easy access to the coast and surrounding countryside. The high street location puts you at the heart of a welcoming community, and the practice is actively involved in local life – from supporting the Greyhound Trust and cat rescue charities to participating in country shows and engaging with schools through STEM education.

The Hadleigh site is housed in a beautiful converted Tudor building with a purpose-built modern extension. You’ll find four consulting rooms, two theatres, separate cat and dog wards, a dedicated isolation building, a well-equipped staff room, and quiet office space designed for admin or a moment’s peace.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver primary small animal veterinary care across a varied caseload including dogs, cats, rabbits, small furries, and occasional exotics
• Manage a balanced mix of consultations and surgical work, from routine procedures (spays, lump removals) to complex cases (dentistry, orthopaedics, ECC work)
• Work collaboratively with a team of 12 vets and 16 RVNs, including specialists with certificates in Imaging and Surgery
• Support or develop specific clinical interests where possible, including option for a consult-only role if preferred
• Participate in regular clinical meetings and contribute to ongoing practice development and continuous improvement
• Take advantage of mentorship opportunities within a team spanning newly qualified vets to colleagues with 20+ years’ experience

Requirements

• UK veterinary degree and current RCVS registration
• Small animal clinical experience (level not specified, suggesting flexibility for various experience levels)
• Enthusiasm for high-quality patient care and a collaborative approach to practice
• Interest in continuing professional development and clinical learning

Benefits

• Salary: Up to £75,000 depending on experience
• Financial support: Relocation allowance up to £8,000, welcome bonus up to £10,000, accommodation available
• Holiday: 6.6 weeks’ paid holiday including bank holidays, plus your birthday off
• CPD: £1,250 annual CPD allowance plus 40 hours paid CPD time; support for certificate and advanced learning; access to Vetlexicon online resources and IVC Evidensia Training Centres
• Professional memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Wellbeing: Private medical insurance, enhanced family-friendly leave and pay, 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme, trained Mental Health First Aiders on site
• Colleague benefits: Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (where eligible), retail discounts and cashback, reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Additional: £1,250 annual IVC Evidensia Care Fund for every vet

About the Practice

Highcliff Veterinary Practice is a two-site operation serving Hadleigh and Brantham for over a century, holding Gold ISFM accreditation (Brantham site) and Silver ISFM accreditation (Hadleigh), Dogs Trust Dog Friendly Award status, and RCVS Accreditation for Small Animal General Practice. The practice is deeply embedded in its local community, supporting animal charities and educational initiatives.

The team comprises 12 veterinary surgeons (including certificate holders in Imaging and Surgery, with others pursuing Advanced Medicine qualifications), 16 registered veterinary nurses, a Practice Manager, and 16 client care team members. Clinical facilities include two theatres, full orthopaedic and ophthalmology equipment, digital and dental X-ray, ultrasound, video endoscopes, tonometers, and a class 4 therapeutic laser. The practice is a Vets Now host site, meaning no emergency out-of-hours provision is required. Highcliff is part of IVC Evidensia, an international veterinary care group operating over 2,500 clinics across 20 countries.