Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Spring Lodge is seeking a confident Veterinary Surgeon to join their primary care team on a full-time permanent basis covering maternity leave. Based in Witham, Essex, you'll work 41 hours over four days (8am to 6.30pm last appointment), with no overnight on-call duties and a balanced Saturday rota (1 in 5 mornings, 1 in 8 emergency day cover for own clients only). This schedule allows for up to five consecutive rest days, making it an ideal opportunity for those seeking genuine work-life balance without sacrificing clinical variety.

You'll deliver primary care across a broad mixed caseload including dogs, cats, small furries, exotics, and wildlife. The practice combines routine work with more complex procedures such as orthopaedics, TPLOs, fracture repairs, laparoscopy, and ophthalmology. Hospital status at the main site provides exposure to complex cases, and consult-only arrangements can be discussed if preferred.

Spring Lodge's main facility features separate cat and dog areas, multiple consult rooms, three theatres, dedicated imaging and lab spaces, purpose-built wards, quiet office areas, and welcoming staff facilities. You'll have access to ultrasound, endoscopy, ECG, advanced imaging, full IDEXX laboratory, digital and dental x-ray, and comprehensive laparoscopic and orthopaedic equipment. Free off-site parking and the option to rotate across multiple branches add to the flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard patient and client care across a varied primary care caseload
• Contribute to the clinical team's collaborative culture, supporting colleagues' development and sharing knowledge
• Manage routine consultations and surgical cases, utilising the practice's advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities
• Develop clinical skills and interests while maintaining excellent standards of care and client communication
• Work as an integral team member, balancing independent clinical decision-making with collaborative support from colleagues

Requirements

• BVSc, BVetMed, or BVMS degree with 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, openness to feedback, and commitment to professional development
• Professionalism, reliability, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Benefits

• Salary up to £65,000 depending on experience
• 6.8 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• No out-of-hours on-call duties
• Four-day working week with flexible scheduling
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• Funded CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy)
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Clear career pathways across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks

About the Practice

Spring Lodge has been a trusted part of the Witham community for over 50 years. The practice joined IVC Evidensia, the UK and Europe's leading veterinary care group comprising over 900 practices and referral hospitals. Spring Lodge's main clinic has been operational for over 20 years and features a dedicated surgical theatre, x-ray facilities, and dental ultrasonic scaler. The practice is enrolled on the RCVS practice standards scheme and has achieved Tier Two Status.

The associated Witham Hospital is the only practice in Mid-Essex to achieve RCVS Veterinary Hospital accreditation, independently inspected every four years. Patients requiring overnight care are transferred to the hospital where 24-hour nursing and veterinary care is provided. The practice is committed to gold-standard treatment, modern anaesthetic protocols, pain management, and dedicated surgical theatre standards across all procedures.