Senior Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Dragon Vets, part of inspiring vet care, is seeking an enthusiastic Veterinary Surgeon to join the Rissington site as a Senior Vet. The role is focused on helping shape the future of the branch, developing staff, and supporting senior management so the site continues to thrive.

You will be based at the Rissington branch and work four days per week on a full-time contract, averaging 37 hours a week. The rota also includes 1 in 4 Saturday mornings, with no out of hours or on-call requirements. Flexible options are available for both part-time and full-time applicants.

The practice offers access to a large client base, a wide range of cases, and a supportive team working across vets, nurses, and support staff. Cheltenham is described as being in the heart of a town known for horse racing, plus a lively bar and restaurant scene.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead clinical standards and governance within the practice as the most senior veterinary clinician on site.
• Provide clinical leadership and act as the main source of clinical guidance and decision-making.
• Oversee complex cases and support the delivery of excellent patient and client care.
• Work with senior practice leadership on the strategic direction of the practice.
• Support continuous improvement in clinical quality, outcomes, and working practices.
• Help develop staff and support the branch as it grows.

Requirements

• A veterinary degree and RCVS registration.
• Significant experience in small or mixed animal practice.
• Advanced surgical and medical capability.
• Experience mentoring, coaching, and supporting veterinary colleagues.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Experience contributing to or leading clinical governance, audits, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Ability to manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations.

Benefits

• Salary up to £75,000 DOE.
• Relocation allowance up to £5,000.
• Welcome bonus of up to £5,000.
• Average of 37 hours per week over 4 days.
• 1 in 4 Saturday mornings.
• No out of hours or on-call requirements.
• Flexible options for part-time and full-time applicants.
• Clear career pathways across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles.
• Funded learning and development, including CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres and role-relevant courses.
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet.
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks.
• Support to develop clinical interests and expand capabilities.
• 6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays.
• Private medical insurance.
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy.
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees.
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes, subject to eligibility.
• Retail discounts and cashback offers.
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets.

About the Practice

Dragon Vets is part of inspiring vet care, which describes itself as the UK's number one vet care provider and says it supports the care of over 2 million animals. The Rissington site is an established practice with decades of history and a large client base.

The practice has invested in specialist equipment including CT, DR, rigid and flexible endoscopy, high-end Doppler ultrasonography, laparoscopic kits, and TPLO kits. The team includes 16 vets, with certificate holders in Small Animal Surgery, Cardiology, and Medicine, plus 17 RVNs and 4 SVNs. A separate out of hours team, Vets Now, is based in the same building to provide 24-hour care.