Veterinary Surgeon - Mixed Practice

About the Role

This is a 6-month fixed-term opportunity to join Pilgrims Vets, part of IVC Evidensia's network of practices. Based in Fordingbridge on the edge of the beautiful New Forest, you'll work across two sites: the main branch in Fordingbridge and the Cranborne branch, which specialises in small animal work with surgical facilities. The role offers a genuine mixed caseload of approximately 70% small animal, 15% farm and 15% equine work, though you can discuss focusing on small animal and farm work if equine is not your preference.

This is full-time work across a 4-day week, with part-time applications considered from 20 hours per week. You'll participate in a 1-in-4 weekend on-call rota including Saturday morning consultations (9am-1pm), plus one weeknight on-call shift per week. Small animal out-of-hours cases (excluding inpatients) are covered by a local OOH provider.

You'll be joining a close-knit clinical team of seven vets, supported by four RVNs and two student veterinary nurses. A shared practice vehicle is available for farm and equine visits, and a driving licence is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality patient and client care across small animal, farm and equine caseloads
• Lead dedicated small animal surgery days each week, covering routine procedures such as dental work, neutering and lumpectomies
• Manage farm work centred on smallholdings, beef farms and sheep
• Provide equine care, primarily for leisure horses
• Use and develop skills with the practice's excellent facilities: digital radiography, ultrasound, IDEXX analysers, VETSCAN IMAGYST laboratory, digital endoscopy and new equine dental equipment
• Collaborate with a visiting orthopaedic surgeon to support ongoing learning and provide additional clinical support
• Work independently and collaboratively with the wider clinical team, sharing knowledge and contributing to a positive clinical culture
• Support the development of nursing colleagues and student veterinary nurses

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and current 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 development
• Professionalism, reliability and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Passion for delivering excellent patient and client care
• Full driving licence (essential for farm and equine visits)
• Willingness to participate in the 1-in-4 out-of-hours rota, including for part-time applicants

Benefits

• Salary up to £60,000 per annum depending on experience
• 6.6 weeks holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development and personal use
• Funded CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees paid
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
• 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
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles

About the Practice

Pilgrims Vets is part of IVC Evidensia, the UK's number one vet care provider, trusted with the care of over 2 million animals annually. The practice operates two locations: the main branch in Fordingbridge serves a mixed caseload, while the Cranborne branch focuses on small animal medicine and surgery. The team is experienced, supportive and collaborative, with access to excellent diagnostic and surgical facilities including digital radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy and the newly installed VETSCAN IMAGYST laboratory system for advanced diagnostics.

IVC Evidensia is committed to supporting its people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources. The company actively promotes diversity, equality, inclusion and belonging, and is a Disability Confident Employer.