Veterinary Surgeon, Small Animal

About the Role

This is a full-time small animal first opinion position based across the Downland Veterinary Group clinics in West Sussex, primarily Bognor and Chichester. You'll work 40 hours per week with Saturday mornings on rota but no overnight or out-of-hours commitment. A consult-only option is also available for the right candidate.

You'll have access to a steady caseload including first opinion surgical cases and daytime emergencies alongside routine consultations. The practice is nestled between the stunning South Downs and the south coast, with direct train access to central London in 90 minutes and Gatwick within an hour. Flexible working patterns are designed to complement your lifestyle.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard patient and client care across a varied and rewarding first opinion caseload
• Work collaboratively with an experienced team of 10 vets, 15 RVNs, and support staff
• Perform routine medical and surgical procedures using modern on-site facilities
• Continue developing your clinical skills and interests while mentoring colleagues
• Participate in Saturday morning rota (no out-of-hours cover)
• Contribute positively to the clinical culture and ongoing development of the team

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration (or eligibility to register)
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
• 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

Benefits

• Salary up to £65,000 DOE
• Relocation allowance available
• 6.8 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for personal development
• £1,250 CPD allowance
• BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees covered
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay including maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Mentorship, regional clinical coaches and peer networks
• Access to IVC academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• Clear career pathways across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles

About the Practice

Downland Veterinary Group is part of inspiring vet care, the UK and Europe's leading veterinary care group operating over 900 practices and referral hospitals. The practice was established in 1947 and operates clinics across West Sussex in Bognor, Chichester, Selsey and Barnham.

All surgeries are extensively equipped with DR X-ray, dental X-ray, ultrasonography, laparoscopy, endoscopy, surgical theatres, capnography and in-house lab facilities. The West Sussex team includes 11 vets with specialist interests in dermatology, oncology, ECC and dentistry, plus certificate holders in orthopaedics, surgery, medicine, cardiology and imaging. Across the group, inspiring vet care has circa 30 veterinary surgeons, a nursing team of 70 and 50 support colleagues, with multiple nurse training centres available for professional development.