Veterinary Surgeon, Small Animal

About the Role

Join Midforest Vets as a Primary Care Veterinary Surgeon and become part of a friendly, established practice that's been caring for the local community for over 40 years. This is a full-time position working four 10-hour days Monday to Thursday, with Fridays off and no out-of-hours or on-call commitments. A 1-in-5 Saturday morning rota (8:30am–12:30pm, sole charge) provides manageable weekend cover without the stress of night shifts.

The caseload is varied and engaging, with a strong emphasis on medical consultations and case work-ups that build lasting client relationships. Surgical work is predominantly routine, with a high volume of dental procedures offering excellent clinical variety. You'll have significant sole charge responsibility, but with another vet just a phone call away when you need support. The practice's Lyndhurst home, set within a beautiful 16th-century thatched cottage, creates a unique and welcoming environment; you may occasionally work from the Totton branch just 15 minutes away.

You'll work alongside a close clinical team of six vets and seven RVNs, several with specialist qualifications in ultrasound and dentistry. The practice actively encourages further professional development, and you'll have access to digital radiography, dental X-ray, ultrasound, and in-house blood analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard primary care across a varied small animal caseload including dogs, cats, rabbits, and occasional exotics
• Manage medical consultations with a focus on thorough case work-up and client continuity
• Perform routine surgical procedures with particular emphasis on dental work
• Work independently in sole charge situations while maintaining access to colleague support
• Contribute to the clinical culture of the practice, mentoring and supporting colleagues where appropriate
• Develop your clinical interests and expand your capabilities through continued learning

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration (or eligibility to register)
• Clinical experience 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
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team
• Professional and reliable approach to clinical work

Benefits

• Salary up to £70,000 depending on experience
• Welcome bonus up to £5,000
• Relocation allowance up to £5,000
• 6.6 weeks' annual holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund
• £1,250 CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay covering maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy
• 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 across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles

About the Practice

Midforest Veterinary Practice is part of inspiring vet care, the UK's leading vet care provider trusted with the care of over 2 million animals. The Lyndhurst practice has been proudly serving the local community for over 40 years, building strong relationships with both clients and their pets. The practice operates from two locations: Lyndhurst (set in a characterful 16th-century thatched cottage) and Totton (15 minutes away).

The team comprises six veterinary surgeons, seven registered veterinary nurses, and a dedicated client care team led by the Practice Manager. Several team members hold specialist certificates in ultrasound and dentistry, reflecting the practice's commitment to continuous professional development. Modern facilities include digital radiography, dental X-ray equipment, ultrasound, and in-house blood analysis.