Lead Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This Lead Veterinary Surgeon position at St Marys Veterinary Clinic in Ferndown offers first-opinion small animal work with plenty of variety. You’ll see cases across medicine and surgery, from initial presentation through to diagnosis and treatment, with the continuity of care that comes from getting to know patients and clients.

The role includes routine procedures, emergency and critical care, and the clinical freedom to manage your own cases, supported by an experienced team and referral pathways when extra support is needed. You’ll also have the chance to help shape the future of the practice as St Mary’s begins a new chapter alongside Aniwell Vets.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied first-opinion caseload across medicine and surgery
• Take cases from initial consultation through diagnosis and treatment
• Carry out routine procedures and contribute to emergency and critical care work
• Work across St Mary’s and Aniwell as part of a wider clinical team
• Contribute ideas to help shape how the practices develop

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon
• Interest in first-opinion small animal practice
• Ability to manage cases with clinical autonomy
• Willingness to contribute to a collaborative, supportive team
• Lead Vet experience is implied by the role title, but no specific years are stated

Benefits

• Salary up to £80,000 DOE
• Welcome bonus up to £5,000
• Relocation allowance up to £5,000
• Full-time hours over four or five days, with part-time applications welcomed
• 1:3 Saturday mornings, 8:30am to 12:30pm
• No out-of-hours or on-call commitments
• Access to digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy and a fully equipped in-house laboratory
• Full refurbishment planned for St Mary’s
• 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
• 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 paid
• 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

St Marys Veterinary Clinic in Ferndown is part of IVC Evidensia and has been caring for pets and supporting the local community for many years. The practice has built a loyal client base and an excellent reputation.

The caseload covers dogs, cats, rabbits and the occasional exotic. The clinic is based at 300 Ringwood Road, Ferndown, BH22 9AS, and the advert also notes that the practice is exotic friendly and rabbit friendly.