Join a forward-thinking 16-vet practice in Cheltenham with specialist equipment, genuine work-life balance, and zero out-of-hours on-call. Flexible hours, supportive team, complex cases—no sole charge stress unless you want it.
1:4 Saturday mornings only. No out-of-hours or on-call required.
Dragon Vets is recruiting a Veterinary Surgeon to join their established multi-site group comprising one main hospital and four satellite branches. This is a full-time or part-time permanent role based in Cheltenham, a vibrant location renowned for horse racing and a thriving social scene. The practice operates a 37-hour week over 4 days (full-time), with Saturday mornings on a 1:4 rota only. Importantly, there is no out-of-hours or on-call requirement, and you can opt for consults-only work if preferred.
You'll split time between the main hospital (once per week) and satellite branches, working within a 16-vet team that includes certificate holders in small animal surgery, cardiology, and medicine. The practice values evidence-based care, colleague support, and tackles complex cases beyond first-opinion scope. A dedicated Vets Now team operates from the same building for 24-hour emergency cover.
The role does involve sole charge work; you'll need confidence working independently. If that doesn't appeal, consults-only options are available. As an incentive, Dragon Vets is offering a welcome bonus of up to £5,000 (pro rata) and up to £5,000 relocation support.
Dragon Vets is an established small animal practice based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, serving a substantial client base with investment in specialist equipment including CT scanning, digital radiography, rigid and flexible endoscopy, advanced Doppler ultrasonography, and fully equipped operating facilities with laparoscopic and TPLO capabilities. The 16-vet team includes certificate holders with advanced practitioner status in surgery, cardiology, and medicine, supported by 17 RVNs and 4 SVNs.
The practice is part of IVC Evidensia and Mars Veterinary Health, providing access to wider resources, professional development programmes, and a dedicated out-of-hours partner (Vets Now) co-located on site for seamless 24-hour care. The team prioritises work-life balance, colleague wellbeing, and evidence-based medicine with regular clinical discussions and readily available peer support.
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