Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

This is a full-time position with a refreshingly honest schedule: 40 hours spread across 4 days, with one regular day off each week. There is no out-of-hours or on-call requirement whatsoever, making this an ideal opportunity if you value genuine work-life balance. The practice is also open to discussing flexible arrangements, from part-time to shorter shifts, if that suits your needs better.

You'll be joining a well-established small animal hospital in Ashford, Kent, where the practice has been operating since the early 1900s. The current purpose-built facility is fully equipped with excellent clinical amenities including an on-site CT scanner, laparoscopy, ultrasound, and endoscopy. The practice holds tier-3 status from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the highest classification available, and is independently inspected annually.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a high standard of patient and client care across a varied and rewarding small animal caseload
• Work collaboratively with a clinical team of 9 veterinary surgeons, 11 RVNs, 1 SVN, and an ANA
• Continue developing your clinical skills and interests in routine medical and surgical cases
• Share knowledge and experience with colleagues, contributing to a positive clinical culture
• Take advantage of visiting specialists available in orthopaedics, cardiology, and ophthalmology
• Work with the supportive client care team, insurance processor, and bookings clerk to ensure smooth operations

Requirements

• Veterinary degree 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 development
• Professionalism, reliability, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Benefits

• Salary up to £75,000 depending on experience
• Welcome bonus up to £5,000
• Relocation allowance up to £5,000
• 6.8 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 paid
• 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 with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
• Funded learning and development, including access to IVC Academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks

About the Practice

Barrow Hill Veterinary Centre is a purpose-built, fully equipped hospital in Ashford, Kent, operating from a site with veterinary heritage dating back to the early 1900s. The practice holds the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' tier-3 classification, the highest standard available, and is independently inspected annually. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, the UK and Europe's leading veterinary care group, comprising over 900 practices and referral hospitals united by a shared purpose of happier animals and happier owners.

IVC Evidensia is committed to supporting careers without limits. The organisation invests in learning, innovation, and wellbeing to create environments where teams grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment at every career stage. Three of the practice's vets hold AVP certificates, and the team benefits from a fantastic network that encourages knowledge sharing and growth.