Exotic Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Highcroft Vets in Whitchurch, Bristol is seeking an experienced Exotic Veterinary Surgeon to join their dedicated small animal hospital. You’ll be working in a fully equipped, air-conditioned 24-hour tier 3 training hospital with exceptional surgical and diagnostic facilities including CT scanner, ultrasound, endoscope, bronchoscope, and laparoscopic equipment. This is a permanent position with a 5-day week rota across two roles, with 1 in 4 weekend commitments negotiable depending on your availability.

As part of the Highcroft Veterinary Group, you’ll be joining a practice that’s genuinely committed to continuous professional development and staff wellbeing. The hospital also offers a ‘pet chauffeur’ service for non-emergency transportation and provides 24/7 inpatient care and overnight support from the first opinion team, so you’re never working in isolation.

Located in Bristol, you’ll have access to a vibrant city with excellent amenities whilst working in a practice that prides itself on a friendly, supportive environment and clear pathways for progression into leadership, management, or remote-based opportunities within the wider group.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver routine exotic consultations and specialist assessments, with a focus on reptiles, birds, and exotic small pets
• Triage emergency exotic patients and hand over to the emergency team with clear clinical briefs
• Manage repeat and written prescriptions for exotic cases
• Lead by example within the team, mentoring staff to develop their exotic knowledge and advance their veterinary careers
• Work collaboratively within a highly skilled, multi-disciplinary team during busy periods
• Contribute to the high clinical standards expected in the 24-hour hospital environment

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (RCVS registered)
• 4–5+ years post-qualification experience, with demonstrated expertise in exotic animal medicine and surgery
• Strong commitment to mentoring and supporting junior vets and nursing staff
• Ability to work under pressure within a busy team environment
• Excellent communication skills and client-focused approach
• Willingness to engage in continuous professional development

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £60,000 depending on experience
• Up to 5.5 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays
• Buy/sell annual leave scheme with the option to purchase up to 4 additional weeks
• Extra day’s leave per year during your first 5 years at CVS
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Generous staff discount on a range of products and services
• Fully encouraged and funded CPD (continued professional development)
• Company pension scheme
• Access to leadership and management development pathways within the wider CVS group

About the Practice

Highcroft (Whitchurch) is an RCVS-accredited small animal hospital and part of the Highcroft Veterinary Group, which operates within CVS Group—one of the UK’s largest veterinary employers. The practice is a fully equipped, air-conditioned tier 3 training hospital providing comprehensive services including routine health checks, advanced surgery, internal medicine, exotic animal referrals, and 24-hour emergency care. The hospital is staffed by a dedicated, highly skilled team committed to delivering exceptional veterinary medicine and client service.

CVS Group is committed to being an inclusive workplace where all colleagues are encouraged and supported to be themselves, where difference is celebrated, and where everyone can deliver their best work.