Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Holly House is seeking an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join its clinical team in Leeds. This role offers 40 hours per week across 4 days, with a 1 in 6 weekend rota and approximately two on-call nights every 7 to 8 months. You'll work across surgical, medical and emergency departments with exposure to exotic species, contributing to a high clinical standard while the practice supports your continued professional development.

The practice is conveniently located just off the Leeds ring road near Roundhay Park with excellent transport links to the city centre. You'll be part of a well-established team that has built a supportive culture over 30 years, featuring regular team events, structured practice meetings, one-to-one career development and professional coaching.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver consultations and client care across a varied caseload including small animals, exotic species (reptiles, birds, small mammals), rabbits and other species
• Perform routine and complex surgical procedures
• Provide triage and inpatient care
• Carry out and interpret diagnostic investigations including laboratory testing, radiography and CT
• Collaborate with the wider clinical team including 15 veterinary surgeons, 10 RVNs, 7 student nurses and 5 veterinary care assistants
• Support colleague development and contribute positively to the clinical culture

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration (or eligibility to register)
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
• A certificate or working towards one ideally
• Strong communication skills and ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• Proactive approach to learning with openness to feedback and development
• Professionalism, reliability and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Passion for delivering excellent patient and client care

Benefits

• Salary up to £65,000 DOE
• 6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund
• Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy)
• BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees covered
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches and peer networks
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles

About the Practice

Holly House Veterinary Hospital has been providing North Leeds with quality veterinary care since 1994 and has offered dedicated exotic care facilities for over ten years. The practice is RCVS Hospital Standard accredited, with facilities including cutting-edge diagnostic equipment (CT, digital X-ray, ultrasound, laparoscopy and endoscopy), purpose-built consulting rooms, an isolation ward, spacious prep and theatre suite with multiparameter anaesthetic monitoring and ventilator support. The team comprises 15 veterinary surgeons, 10 registered veterinary nurses, 7 student veterinary nurses, 5 veterinary care assistants, 13 receptionists and 3 administrators.

The practice provides a dedicated 24-hour on-site emergency service led by a specialist team of vets and nurses, delivering wraparound care across the hospital, first opinion practices and dedicated exotics clinic. As part of inspiring vet care, Holly House operates within a values-led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement, with rotas carefully designed to promote work-life balance and protected breaks.