Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon role based largely in branch, giving you the chance to build lasting client relationships and see cases through from start to finish. You'll have the reassurance of a busy 24/7 hospital nearby for additional expertise, equipment and referral support when needed.

The role includes a varied first-opinion caseload, with consulting and surgery at its core. There is also scope to get involved in orthopaedics, laparoscopic procedures and emergency and critical care cases, with support to develop existing interests or explore new ones.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle a broad first-opinion small animal caseload in branch.
• Carry out a mix of consulting and surgery.
• Take part in orthopaedic, laparoscopic and emergency and critical care cases.
• Work with the nearby hospital team when cases need additional expertise, equipment or referral support.
• Build strong client relationships and follow cases through from start to finish.

Requirements

• A confident GP vet.
• An interest in consulting and surgery.
• Interest in cardiology or dermatology is particularly welcomed.
• Support for certificates and further development is available.

Benefits

• Salary up to £70,000 DOE.
• Relocation allowance up to £5,000.
• Welcome bonus up to £5,000.
• Full-time hours across four days, typically 9am to 7pm.
• Part-time applications welcomed from 20 hours per week.
• 1:5 weekend rota, with Sunday emergency-only shifts.
• No additional OOH or on-call commitments.
• 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.
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet.
• Funded learning and development, including CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres and role-relevant courses.
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches and peer networks.
• Clear career pathways across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles.

About the Practice

Plymouth Veterinary Group is part of IVC Evidensia and operates in Plymouth, Devon. The role sits alongside a busy 24/7 hospital nearby and a branch setting that lets you follow cases closely and work with a supportive clinical network.

The hospital facilities include three operating theatres, including a dedicated orthopaedic theatre, seven consultation rooms, species-specific wards, isolation facilities, imaging and dental suites, plus CT, digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, laparoscopy and a fully equipped in-house laboratory.