Senior Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to shape the clinical culture of Virginia Water Vets, a newly opened small animal practice (May 2026) in the heart of a picturesque Surrey village. You'll join a supportive, community-focused team with a family feel, working in stunning countryside surroundings just minutes from Heathrow and within an hour of London.

Your week will balance consults and surgery with the freedom to follow cases from start to finish. The practice has built a strong local reputation for dentistry and ophthalmology work, and you'll have access to visiting specialists plus support from a network of nearby IVC practices. This daytime-only role includes a Saturday morning rota (8:30am to 12:30pm) with Friday afternoon off in lieu, plus flexible hours to suit your lifestyle. No overnight on-call or OOH commitments.

Beyond the clinical work, you'll be actively involved in the practice's community ties, including partnerships with StreetVet and Cats Protection. This is your chance to lead, inspire, and make a lasting impact in a practice that's deeply loved by its clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard patient and client care across a varied small animal caseload (dogs, cats, rabbits, small pets)
• Conduct routine medical and surgical consultations, with particular opportunities in dentistry and ophthalmology
• Continue developing your clinical skills and interests while mentoring and supporting colleagues
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and the wider practice team
• Contribute positively to the clinical culture and ongoing development of the practice
• Take Saturday morning shifts (8:30am to 12:30pm) on a rotating basis

Requirements

• Veterinary degree (BVSc, BVetMed, or BVMS) 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 professional development
• Professionalism, reliability, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Benefits

• Salary up to £75,000 depending on experience, plus welcome bonus up to £8,000 and relocation allowance up to £8,000
• 6.6 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
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for continued professional development
• 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
• Funded CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• Clear career pathways across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
• Collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement

About the Practice

Virginia Water Vets is a brand-new small animal practice that opened in May 2026, located at 12-13 Station Parade in Virginia Water, Surrey (GU25 4AB). The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, the UK's number one vet care provider, trusted with the care of over 2 million animals. Built on the foundation of trusted relationships and quality care, Virginia Water Vets serves a thriving community and is already known locally for excellence in dentistry and ophthalmology.

The team operates as part of the wider IVC Evidensia network, offering access to visiting specialists and support from nearby practices. IVC Evidensia is committed to creating environments where teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment at every stage of their career, with investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing at its core.