Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon opportunity with Downland Vets in Bognor Regis, working across clinics in West Sussex, mainly Bognor and Chichester. The role offers a steady caseload with access to first opinion surgical work, daytime emergencies and consultations, with a consult only option available for the right candidate.

You will be joining an experienced, collaborative clinical team in a role that supports both clinical development and teamwork. The position is 40 hours per week and includes the Saturday morning rota, with no out of hours.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver first opinion small animal care across the West Sussex clinics.
• Manage a steady caseload that includes consultations, first opinion surgical cases and daytime emergencies.
• Work collaboratively with the wider practice team to provide high standards of patient and client care.
• Share knowledge and experience with colleagues and contribute to the clinical culture.
• Support the ongoing development of the team around you.

Requirements

• A veterinary degree and RCVS registration, or eligibility to register.
• Experience in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases.
• Strong communication skills.
• The ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues.
• A proactive approach to learning, feedback and development.
• Professionalism, reliability and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• A passion for excellent patient and client care.

Benefits

• Salary up to £75,000 DOE.
• Relocation allowance available.
• 40 hours per week with the Saturday morning rota and no out of hours.
• 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.
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes, subject to eligibility.
• Retail discounts and cashback offers.
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets.
• 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.
• Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities.
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles.

About the Practice

Downland Vets is part of IVC Evidensia and has been established in the local area since 1947. The West Sussex clinics are in Bognor, Chichester, Selsey and Barnham, with the team working from extensively equipped surgeries.

The practice has access to DR X-Ray, Dental X-Ray, ultrasonography, laparoscopy, endoscopy, surgical theatres, capnography and an in house lab. The wider group includes certificate holders in orthopaedics, surgery, medicine, cardiology and imaging, as well as vets with special interests in dermatology, oncology, ECC and dentistry. The team in West Sussex includes 11 vets locally, and across the group there are circa 30 veterinary surgeons, a nursing team of 70 and a further 50 support colleagues.