Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

You'll work as part of a collaborative clinical team at Crown House Vets, delivering high-quality care across a varied small animal caseload. This is a permanent, full-time position working 34 hours per week with fixed days and shifts each week. The only weekend commitment is a 1:3 Saturday morning clinic (8:30 am to 12:00 pm, consultations only) with zero out-of-hours or bank holiday work. The role suits clinicians with sole charge experience and confidence with routine surgeries and medical cases.

Based in Rochdale with a sister branch in Shaw, Oldham, the practice benefits from direct public transport links to Manchester city centre. You'll be an integral member of a clinical team that includes 2 experienced vets and 5 Registered Veterinary Nurses who lead their own clinics. The practice culture values nurse-led initiatives and collaborative, hands-on patient care.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver clinical care across routine medical and surgical cases in a 100% small animal practice
• Work collaboratively with the wider team to maintain high standards of patient and client care
• Develop your clinical skills and interests while contributing to the practice's clinical culture
• Support the ongoing professional development of colleagues, particularly nursing staff
• Work both independently and collaboratively, with sole charge experience valued
• Contribute to clinic sessions, including Saturday morning consultations

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration (or eligibility to register)
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
• Experience with sole charge work
• Strong communication skills and ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• Proactive approach to learning, openness to feedback and professional development
• Professionalism, reliability, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Benefits

• Salary up to £65,000 depending on experience, plus up to £5,000 welcome bonus and £5,000 relocation allowance
• No out-of-hours or bank holiday work
• 1:3 Saturday mornings (consultations only)
• 34-hour week with fixed days and shifts
• Protected admin time and support with CPD and certificates
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• 6.8 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• 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 IVC academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• 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

Crown House Vets is an established small animal practice serving Rochdale and the surrounding area for over 35 years. The practice operates from 2 branches (Rochdale and Shaw, Oldham) and is part of inspiring vet care, the UK's number one vet care provider trusted with the care of over 2 million animals. The practice is 100% small animal focused with a steady caseload.

The modern surgery is fully equipped with a dedicated x-ray room, sterile operating theatre, state-of-the-art ultrasound scanner, ECG machine, sophisticated in-house blood analysers, blood pressure monitor, and microscope. The team culture focuses on preventive healthcare, continuing professional development, and nurse-led initiatives, with staff regularly undertaking training in medicine and surgery to ensure the highest standard of treatment.