Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

Hungerford Vets is seeking a confident Veterinary Surgeon to join their experienced small animal team on a nine-month fixed-term contract. This is a full-time, flexible role of 40 hours across four days (Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm), with a manageable six-week rota that includes shared weekends and on-call from home—time off in lieu is provided for both. You’ll work across two practice sites, balancing consultations with theatre time in a genuine mix of routine procedures, complex surgeries, emergency and critical care work, and referral cases from neighbouring practices.

Based in Hungerford, a charming historic market town in the Berkshire countryside, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful walking routes, canals and open spaces, whilst benefiting from excellent transport links to Reading, Bath and London. The role includes elements of sole charge, making it ideal for a vet confident across all areas of practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clinical care across small animal medicine and surgery, including emergency and critical care cases
• Balance consultation and theatre work, performing routine procedures and more complex surgeries
• Work across two practice sites, bringing consistency of care to both locations
• Contribute to managing referral cases from neighbouring practices
• Support and supervise the nursing team during procedures and patient care
• Work some sole charge periods as part of the team rota
• Participate in the practice’s community outreach, including school visits and charity partnerships

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon with current RCVS registration
• Confidence in small animal medicine and surgery across all areas
• Experience working in a practice setting; previous sole charge experience beneficial
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to continuing professional development

Benefits

• Competitive salary: Up to £60,000 DOE
• Leave: 6.6 weeks annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, plus additional holiday for your birthday
• Professional development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave, Certificate support, access to the IVC Evidensia Academy and Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia, and funding for research and quality improvement projects
• Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay)
• Professional memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Pension: Company pension scheme with employer contribution
• Colleague benefits: Cycle to Work and Green Cars Scheme (subject to eligibility), voluntary benefits, retail discounts and cashback, discounted pet treatment at IVC Evidensia practices
• Care Fund: £1,250 per annum available via the IVC Evidensia Care Fund

About the Practice

Hungerford Vets has been caring for pets and their people for over 50 years and remains a cornerstone of the local community. The practice operates across two sites: a spacious, purpose-built hospital featuring a large reception with separate cat and dog waiting areas, four consultation rooms (including a dedicated nurse consult room), a large open-plan prep area with two theatres, a fully equipped dental suite with dental X-ray, dedicated imaging rooms, a full IDEXX laboratory, quiet office space, a comfortable staff area with a well-stocked snack cupboard, a garden for breaks, generous on-site parking and kennels for team members’ dogs.

The team comprises 12 veterinarians, 14 Registered Veterinary Nurses and dedicated client care staff. Within the practice there are two certificate holders in surgery, two in medicine and one in ophthalmology, alongside a visiting cardiology diplomate. The practice treats dogs, cats, rabbits, small furries, occasional exotics and wildlife, and has earned recognition as exotic-friendly, rabbit-friendly and chicken-friendly. Hungerford Vets is proud of its community links, regularly visiting primary schools and working closely with Dogs Trust, the RSPCA, Cats Protection and local charities.